Instructor Bio

Alex V Flinsch is currently a software developer and data architect for Rutgers University. He began his career as a software consultant in 1984 and has worked in a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, telecommunications, defense, finance, and insurance. He has received a BA in Information Technology and an MI in Information with specializations in  data science and digital libraries, both from Rutgers University.

Catalog Description

In this course, students learn how to effectively present complex information using the Web, multimedia, or information visualization techniques. The course develops an understanding  of how best to leverage human perceptual capabilities to communicate information or gain   insights into large and abstract data.

Pre- and Co-requisites

((01:198:142 or 01:960:142 DATA 101) and (01:960:291 STATISTICAL INFERENCE FOR DATA SCIENCE)) OR

((04:547:201 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONCEPTS) and (04:547:201 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONCEPTS))

Course Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

•     Identify key dimensions of human visual perception and relate them to creating effective information visualizations.

•    Demonstrate understanding of key design principles for creating effective web pages, multimedia presentations or information visualization interfaces.

•    Analyze multimedia in detail to study video editing principles employed.

•    Use video camera and video editing software to create a video presentation.

•    Understand major techniques and systems in information visualization.

•    Create an effective website, video presentation, or information visualization prototype for a specific topic or data set.

Course Technology Requirements

●    Access to a laptop/computer capable of connecting to the Canvas platform. For more details see the expanded statement below. Smartphones and tablets will not be sufficient for some of the work that we will engage in on Canvas! For a detailed list of browsers and platforms supported see:

https://canvas.rutgers.edu/documentation/general/canvas-tip-sheet-for-students/

●     In this course we will be using Tableau Desktop. Before the first class please make sure you have reliable access to a computer and meet the system requirements to  download and install Tableau Desktop. If you do not have reliable access to a computer or your computer cannot support Tableau Desktop, reach out to the instructional staff to explore options.

Learning Management System (LMS) – Canvas

You will use Canvas in this course for various purposes, including (but not limited to) the following:

•    Retrieving course materials, including assignment instructions.

•    Submitting your completed coursework.

•    Participating in discussion threads.

•    Communicating with the instructor, assistants, and classmates.

If you are having technical difficulties with Canvas, contact the Canvas helpdesk:

•    Email support:help@canvas.rutgers.edu

•    Phone support: 877-361-1134

•     For other forms of IT help:

●(●)   Email: [email protected]

Resources are available for you to learn how to use the Canvas LMS if you need to:

●    Student Orientation Tutorial (self-paced)

https://rutgers.instructure.com/courses/35

●    Getting Started in Canvas for Students

https://canvas.rutgers.edu/students/getting-started-in-canvas-students/

Required Book

Only one book is required, it is available at the Rutgers Bookstore or through your favorite online bookseller.

Schwabish, J., (2021). Better Data Visualizations : A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks. Columbia University Press (ISBN 9780231193115)

Major Readings

This course uses a collection of readings – most are available as .pdfs through the Canvas modules. There are two additional books you may want to purchase:

Tufte, E., Envisioning Information. Cheshire, Connecticut: Graphics Press, 1990 (ISBN - 1930824149)

Tufte, E., Visual and Statistical Thinking: Displays of Evidence for Decision Making. Cheshire,

Connecticut: Graphics Press, 1997

(ISBN – 0961392134)

note – The chapters we will be reading from the Tufte books are available on Canvas, however having a physical copy may be beneficial for future reference.

You will find any week’s readings under the “Course Readings” item. Please have the readings finished at the beginning of the week.

Methods of Assessment and Grading

Note – It is important to follow any feedback I give on the tech exercises, as several are precursors for the midterm and final projects.

Grading Scale

Please note that for major assignments like the midterm and final projects I only grade

written work and presentations above 90% if the work is extraordinary both in the scope of

its ideas and its execution. Do not expect work that merely fulfills the stated requirements for the assignment to earn a perfect score.