Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/data-visualization-tableau

Introduction

### Course Review: Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau #### Overview If you're looking to tap into the growing field of data visualization, the **"Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau"** course on Coursera is an excellent starting point. This course, as part of a broader specialization, serves as an introductory exploration into the world of data visualization—a key skill in today's data-driven landscape. Whether you're a budding analyst, a business professional, or simply someone interested in interpreting data more effectively, this course offers valuable insights and practical skills using Tableau, a leading data visualization tool. #### What You Will Learn The course is structured into four comprehensive modules, each designed to build foundational knowledge and practical skills. 1. **Data Visualization and Its Importance** - This opening module sets the stage by defining data visualization and discussing its critical role in understanding complex data sets. Participants will engage with an enlightening interview featuring data visualization pioneer Dr. Ben Shneiderman. You'll also learn to install Tableau Public, allowing you to start creating visuals immediately. 2. **Getting to Know Tableau for Data Visualization** - In this module, the course guides you through the Tableau interface. You will become familiar with the various screens, including the welcome screen, worksheet screen, and dashboard screen, ensuring that you’re comfortable navigating the tool. 3. **Let's Make a Viz!** - A hands-on approach takes center stage here, where you'll identify questions that can be explored with datasets. You’ll learn to create three different types of charts—a line chart, a tree map, and a bar chart—and then integrate these visuals into an interactive dashboard. This practical application solidifies understanding and develops analytic skills. 4. **Tableau Community Projects and Visualization Best Practices** - This final module highlights the importance of community in mastering Tableau. Here, you'll learn where to find help, inspiration, and resources within the Tableau community. The opportunity to participate in a peer-reviewed project (#MakeoverMonday) not only reinforces learning but also encourages engagement with the broader tableau community. Achieving an honor badge by applying data visualization best practices provides an added layer of motivation. #### Pros - **Hands-on Practical Learning**: The course emphasizes practical skills, enabling you to create visualizations immediately. - **Engaging Content**: Expert insights, like the interview with Dr. Shneiderman, add credibility and depth to the learning experience. - **Community Engagement**: Getting involved in the Tableau community is highly encouraged, offering networking opportunities and real-world project experience. - **Flexible Learning**: Being an online course, it allows for self-paced learning, accommodating varying schedules. #### Cons - **Requires Time Commitment**: Like any learning journey, fully grasping the concepts and practicing with Tableau may require a substantial time investment. - **Limited Advanced Techniques**: While this course is great for beginners, those seeking advanced data visualization techniques may need additional resources beyond this course. #### Recommendation Overall, the **Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau** course is highly recommended for anyone interested in enhancing their data visualization skills. It provides a solid foundation in understanding and using Tableau, while also stressing the importance of community and ongoing improvement. Whether you are preparing for a career in data analysis or looking to improve your skills for your current job, this course will set you on the right path. Enroll in the course today and unlock the power of effective data visualization!

Syllabus

Data Visualization and Its Importance

In this module, you will be able to define what data visualization is and discuss why it’s so important. You will listen to an interview with Dr. Ben Shneiderman, a modern pioneer of data visualization. You will be able to define interactive visualization and install Tableau Public so you can start to get acquainted with it for the next module. You will be able to make a simple viz so you can clearly see what skills are used in the process.

In this module, you will be able to identify and describe the various parts that make up the welcome screen, worksheet screen, and dashboard screen.

In this module, you’ll be able to identify potential questions to answer with a given dataset. You will be able to make three different charts: a line chart, a tree map, and a bar chart. You will be able to create a dashboard with those charts, and be able to add some simple dashboard interactions.

In this module, you will be able to discuss where to get help. You will also be able to discuss where to go for inspiration and how to get involved in the Tableau community. If you are up for the challenge, you will also have the option to obtain an honor badge by applying five data visualization best practices and participate in a #MakeoverMonday peer reviewed project. Good Luck!