How to Learn Data Analytics Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, there are dozens of tips and resources available online; studying data analytics is no different. Those with a background in data analytics have the power to provide actionable, data-driven insights to their organization, insights they collect, and present visually to various stakeholders. Many options are available at your fingertips if you’ve always wanted to learn data analytics. From free tutorials to live classes, different resources are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you.

What is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is a broad term that describes the various techniques used to analyze raw, unprocessed data so that relevant insights and trends can be extracted. Organizations then use this information to make more informed, data-driven decisions. The data analytics process includes gathering data, organizing them, and performing statistical analysis on these numbers. Once the analysis is complete, the Data Analyst offers predictions that can inform the company’s next steps.

Each day, an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes of data is created. This number is expected to grow as more organizations embrace technological advances and expand their online presence. However, until these data are analyzed, they are just numbers. A Data Analyst’s job involves combining computer programming, math, and statistics to interpret these numbers and transform them into actionable insights that they can share with various stakeholders in their organization.

Read more about why you should learn data analytics.

What Can You Do with Data Analytics?

The field of data analytics has many real-world applications across industries and professions. At the core of the data analytics process is the goal of using data to make better decisions. Companies rely on the data's insights to make more informed business decisions, which can help their organization grow, increase revenue, or better serve employees and customers.

Data analytics can help with marketing campaigns by eliminating the bulk of the guesswork in planning, creating content, and developing products. It also provides an overview of customers, which can help organizations better meet their needs. By better understanding your audience and what they want, targeting them with more pointed marketing initiatives and campaigns is easier.

Another widespread use of data analytics is to improve customer service. When data is analyzed, it reveals important insights about customers, which makes it possible to offer them more personalized service. Data can provide information on how customers prefer to communicate, what interests they have, what concerns they hold, and what products they look at most often. In addition, having data stored in a central location allows an organization’s customer service team to be on the same page as their marketing and sales teams.

Another use of data analytics is to improve the efficiency of operations within an organization. Data can reveal weaknesses in operations, as well as opportunities to streamline various processes. This not only helps the business perform more efficiently but can save money over time. For example, if you have a clearer idea of what your target audience is looking for, you won’t need to waste time and resources designing ads or writing content that doesn’t directly target their interests. This leads to less wasted money, as well as better campaign results.

Live Online Data Analytics Training

One of the most effective ways to study data analytics is in the live online format. Because you connect with an instructor in real-time, you can ask questions and receive guidance at the moment. Various live online data analytics classes are available from Noble Desktop and other top educational providers.

Noble’s Data Analytics Foundations provides introductory-level instruction in data analytics. In addition, Noble offers a Data Analytics Certificate, a rigorous course that covers analytics skills like Excel, Tableau, SQL, and Python and that prepares participants to be Data Analysts or Business Analysts. If you are interested in beginner-friendly data analytics classes, Skillspire provides Intro to Data Analytics, and Clarausway currently has Data Analytics With IT Fundamentals available as well. In addition, data analytics bootcamps are offered by educational providers like General Assembly, NYIM Training, and NYC Career Centers for those seeking a more intensive course of study.

On-Demand Data Analytics Classes

On-demand training is also available if you want to study data analytics but aren’t completely ready to commit to a class that meets at regularly scheduled intervals. Unlike in-person and live online courses, these classes are typically pre-recorded, which means that they can be completed on your own time. Many asynchronous data analytics classes are available for those new to this field and those with prior data experience interested in improving their skills. These courses range in cost from free to platform subscriptions to several thousands of dollars.

Although on-demand data analytics classes are a good learning option for those seeking a basic overview of this field, some learners may find it challenging to study more advanced concepts in this format since no instructor can answer questions. This kind of learning requires that students are self-motivated and self-directed in their studies. In addition, another challenge of asynchronous study is deciding which data analytics class is best for you since there are so many options available. Noble Desktop has a current listing of some of the best on-demand data analytics classes available from reputable providers to help you choose which learning best meets your learning needs and goals.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Not ready to dive into an entire course? Are you instead looking for an overview of data analytics? If so, then you can start learning data analytics for free online. In Noble Desktop’s free introductory data science webinar, you’ll learn how Python can be used when working with data. Those enrolled will have an overview of the field of data science and will become familiar with the tools Data Scientists use in the real world to analyze datasets.

In addition, other top providers also offer classes in data analytics. Udemy currently has free tutorials and classes in data analytics available on topics like Intro to Data Analysis for Government, Learn Data Analysis Using Pandas and Python, and Introduction to Data Analysis: From Zero to Hero. Additionally, Coursera provides several free classes in the field of data science. They offer classes like Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning, Practical Time Series Analysis, and Foundations in Data Science: K Means Clustering in Data Science.

Read more about free data analytics videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning

Deciding which learning format is best for studying data analytics can be challenging. The good news is that more learning options are available than ever before, both in-person and online, so that you can find the one that’s best for you.

In-person data analytics classes are an excellent option for extroverted learners who thrive in traditional classrooms. These engaging, interactive courses allow you to communicate directly with an expert instructor and a cohort of students on the same learning path. This setup allows you to receive guidance and support as you study, which can help with learning new concepts and retaining the information. Because students work in a computer lab with the most up-to-date data analytics tools they need already installed, in-person study eliminates the hassle of trying to load software on your personal device before class meetings. However, one consideration with in-person study is that it requires commuting to and from campus for each class meeting, which takes time and can lead to additional costs associated with travel.

Live online data analytics study provides the same engaging learning format as in-person study. They offer real-time access to a skilled instructor and the same data analytics lessons as in-person study. An added benefit of studying in the live online environment is that you can complete coursework from the comfort of your office or home space without having to battle rush-hour traffic for class meetings or waste time searching for parking. This makes it an excellent option for those balancing their studies and other professional and personal commitments.

In addition to in-person and live online study, self-paced data analytics classes are also available for those interested in learning the basics of this field. Instead of meeting at regularly scheduled times like in-person and live online study, asynchronous data analytics classes are pre-recorded, with video content, tutorials, and modules placed online for access at a later time. This learning option includes the perk of allowing you to choose when you would like to complete lessons and how often you may want to revisit the material.

However, one consideration to be aware of with self-paced data analytics study is that it can be challenging to choose which of the many available options is suitable for you. While asynchronous study often costs significantly less than other learning options, knowing which classes are up-to-date on the most relevant data analytics topics can be challenging. This is why on-demand learning is a good starting point for studying data analytics, but for more advanced learners, classroom study or live online courses are likely a better match.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Data Analytics Online

Learning data analytics in the online environment presents both rewards and particular challenges. The following tips are offered to help you get the most out of your online learning experience:

• Create a quiet place for study. Just as is the case with in-person coursework, online data analytics study requires focus and commitment. This is why having a space carved out that is quiet and free of distractions is essential for learning data analytics. If you are completing coursework from home, a small office with a comfortable chair and a good internet connection is a must.

• Pace yourself. Like any other skill, learning data analytics is a process, one that requires patience and commitment. Instead of rushing to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible, you will be more likely to retain information if you break it into steps or sub-fields. For example, starting with basic Microsoft Excel spreadsheet skills is a great first step if you've never handled data before. If you haven’t studied math since college, it may also be prudent to revisit basic statistical concepts. Once you have a solid foundation in these skills, you can learn computer programming languages like Python or R, or start working with Tableau for data visualization.

• Work with real-world examples. Because Data Analysts work with real datasets, gaining experience with actual data is crucial. Data is everywhere, so you may consider using real data to propel your studies, such as information from this year’s bank accounts, class schedules, or statistics on your favorite baseball team’s last season.

• Don’t be afraid to seek support when you need it. Live online data analytics classes provide you with access to an instructor who is there to answer questions and provide assistance. Some online courses even come with the additional benefit of one-on-one mentoring. Asking questions early on in the learning process can help you avoid confusion later on when more complex data challenges are presented. This is why it’s important to take advantage of this support when it is offered. If you are studying data analytics asynchronously, you may have to reach out to others for answers to data-related questions. Having an online data community provides an excellent platform for receiving support. You may consider joining Tableau’s online Community, which has 450 groups and provides access to nearly 200,000 previously answered questions.

• Find a reputable educational provider. Because of the growing popularity of data analytics, many online learning resources are available to help interested learners. However, selecting the best one for your needs can be difficult. If you want to search for classes in data analytics close to home, Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me Tool provides a helpful way to filter classes based on parameters such as cost, location, duration, subject matter, and provider.

Learn Data Analytics with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

There’s never been a better time to study data analytics. If you’re interested in learning more about this popular field, Noble Desktop has you covered. Noble offers several data analytics classes for beginners and those with a background in data who want to master specific or advanced tools and skills.

Noble’s Data Analytics Certificate is a project-based course designed to teach students how to collect, wrangle, analyze, and visualize data. Participants complete several real-world projects using predictive and prescriptive analytics to prepare them for careers as Business Analysts or Data Analysts. This course provides all students with one-on-one mentoring, as well as the option of a free course retake to revisit the material.

In addition, Noble’s SQL Bootcamp is a great learning option for learners interested in studying SQL to help with their data journey. This 18-hour class teaches participants how to use PostgreSQL to find information in databases. Those who enroll will learn how to write SQL queries, aggregate data, join tables, and filter results.

For students who want to work with Tableau for data analytics and visualization, Noble’s Tableau Bootcamp is a solid choice. This class is taught by an expert instructor and is available both in-person in Manhattan and in the live online format for those who wish to study remotely. This course takes students on a learning journey, starting with the basics of data visualization. Those enrolled also work with Tableau Public and its various tools for analysis and visualization. By course completion, participants will be able to analyze, filter, structure, and visualize data and publish the results. All students have the option of a free course retake.

Key Insights

• Data analytics training can open many professional doors across industries. Data Analysts provide their organizations with the insights they’ve extracted from large datasets, which are used to fuel decisions that will inform the organization’s future trajectory.
• If you’re interested in studying data analytics, enrolling in live online coursework is a great way to break into this field. This learning option provides students with access to an expert instructor in real-time with the added benefit of being completed from a remote location.
• If you want to study data analytics but cannot commit to a regularly scheduled meeting class, another learning option is to sign up for self-paced data analytics courses. These classes are typically an affordable learning option; since they are pre-recorded, they can be completed at your own pace.
• One great way to study data analytics online is by enrolling in one of Noble Desktop‘s live online data analytics courses.