Standard IV - Reflection on Practice
Candidates analyze and interpret data and artifacts and reflect on the effectiveness of the design, development, and implementation of technology-supported instruction and learning to enhance their professional growth.
Artifact 16. Data visualization of foreign language learning trend in secondary and post-secondary education.
Artifact Description:
IIn GDIT 703: Foundations of Instructional Technology, I explored the principles of data visualization, understanding it as a tool to amplify cognition through visual representations of abstract data. I learned a structured process for data visualization, encompassing question formulation, data research and analysis, identifying key findings, customizing messaging for specific audiences, creating clear and accurate visualizations, and incorporating user feedback for refinement. For the class project, I applied these principles by utilizing Tableau to visualize trends in foreign language learning within secondary and post-secondary education. This involved downloading and cleaning educational datasets, then creating visual representations to illustrate the patterns and insights derived from the data, effectively demonstrating the application of data visualization to communicate complex information.
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Reflection and Rationale:
Reflecting on this project, the process of transforming raw educational data into meaningful visualizations highlighted the critical role of each step in the data visualization workflow. From defining the research question to tailoring the presentation for the intended audience, each phase contributed to the clarity and impact of the final product. Using Tableau allowed me to experience firsthand how powerful visual tools can be in uncovering and communicating trends that might be obscured in raw data. Moreover, this experience underscored the importance of data cleaning and preparation, as the quality of the visualization is directly dependent on the integrity of the underlying data. The feedback-driven iteration process was also invaluable, reinforcing the idea that effective data visualization is an iterative endeavor, requiring continuous refinement to ensure clarity and relevance. This project not only enhanced my technical skills in data visualization but also deepened my understanding of how to effectively communicate complex information through visual means, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful design and audience consideration in instructional technology.