Using Data Visualization Software (Tableau) to Enhance Data Dissemination Deborah Fyler/Marin Clarkberg Institutional Research and Planning Cornell University Nov

Overview- A tour of Cornell IR use of Tableau About Tableau The Cornell Factbook (with a little history) Surveys Strategic metrics Demo using IPEDS data and Tableau

About Tableau NOT a spreadsheet program, not a statistical package – can’t run regressions IS an efficient way to produce mountains of beautiful interactive tables and charts (maps, line, heatmaps, dashboards, word clouds, etc.) and put them on websites. You can customize colors, perform calculations and add annotations. Don’t need to create endless variations of reports (e.g. a report for every department) Data consumers can find the data they need easily and without training, and they can slice and dice their data. Trends become apparent with easy-to-produce graphs. Reports can be designed by existing IR staff who know the data well and understand reporting needs. Minimal training needed. Don’t need IT experts. Access can be finely controlled (public/IR staff/deans/VPs)

The University Fact Book The Old Way (pre computers and on the web) The Migration

The University Fact Book The Old Way (pre computers and on the web) The Migration – changing practice

Cornell Examples 1. Enrollment since 1868http://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/

Cornell Examples 1.Factbook (four data sources) 2.Surveys New Student: 3. Strategic Metrics

Cornell Examples - Surveys Variable names are at the top, each row represents a respondent, and the responses are coded as text. By creating parameters, and calculated fields we allow the user to select a question and deliver the responses. (A parameter is a dynamic value that can replace constant values in calculations and filters)

Cornell Examples - Surveys The parameter: The calculated field: Will Searle

IPEDS demo

Our Website Website created in Wordpress in 2012 IR maintains; we can add new pages and graphs) Structured to allow in-line (in page) Tableau viz (size is specific) Icon with link to another page (viz) that is template-ed to contain a specific size And… we also have website links to our secured Tableau server. Google Analytics: This presentation:

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For more information please contact: Deborah Fyler (factbook) Will Searle (surveys) Marin Clarkberg (director)