How to Learn Data Visualization Online

If you’rejust starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning data visualization is no different. Data visualization is the act of transforming data findings into a visual format that highlights outliers and trends and makes these findings accessible to decision-makers. Good data visualizations tell stories that highlight important information. If you’ve always wanted to learn data visualization, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your choices are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you. 

What is Data Visualization?

Data visualization uses graphics like plots, charts, or animations to represent data findings. These visual depictions communicate complicated data relationships in an accessible and engaging format and have a range of applications for sharing data-driven insights with an organization’s internal and external stakeholders. Because an estimated 65% of the population comprises visual learners, data visualization provides a way to quickly and effectively convey data findings. Even though data visualization takes many forms, it shares the common goal of communicating otherwise complex data insights in a memorable and understandable way, even for those who don’t come from a technical background.

Each day, 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are being created, which continues to grow exponentially. This increase in the amount of data has created a corresponding need for visualization practices to share the insights these numbers contain. Data visualization has a variety of uses across industries and professions. It has applications for describing trends or patterns hidden in data and communicating organizational structures or hierarchies. The data visualization process is typically broken into four purposes: to generate ideas, to illustrate concepts, to provide avenues into visual discovery, and to convey data in the form of visualizations.

Read more about what data visualization is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Data Visualization?

Those with the skills to create engaging and effective data visualizations have the power to communicate detailed data insights and findings to audience members from all backgrounds. Data visualizations provide a concise and interactive way to depict data trends. Visualizations incorporate color and contrast to present information like sales patterns so that audience members can quickly observe information that may be difficult to see from a graph or spreadsheet. In addition, another benefit of working with data visualizations is that they can provide perspective on the data by placing it in the context of a larger story, which can help audience members understand the information as it relates to an organization’s overall goals or bottom line. Context plays an integral role in helping audiences understand the entirety of the data being depicted, which would be difficult to convey by listing numbers in a table.

Data visualization also provides a better understanding of a business’s operations. Running a business requires staying on top of many moving parts, and data visualizations provide a tool that can depict multifaceted operations and how different business activities connect. Moreover, analyzing and visualizing data provides insights into important business metrics that can lead to smoother daily operations and more successful project execution. For organizations that sell products or services to customers, data visualizations offer crucial insights into customers’ preferences, demographics, and shopping patterns. They provide a way for organizations to use customer-focused data to explore brand perception, customer sentiments, and even what customers post about the product or service on social media outlets. Businesses can then use these insights to tailor marketing strategies and brand outreach.

In addition to providing customer insights and depicting important trends in the data, visualizations also tell a story. Information is presented in an easy-to-understand format, and the audience is taken on a journey that leads to an inevitable, data-driven conclusion. Just like a written story, a visual story has a strong beginning, a basic plot, and an ending that looks into the future, providing recommendations for how to move forward. Instead of requiring tens of thousands of words to tell this story, data visualizations can do so with a series of well-placed infographics, carefully worded labels, and brief descriptions of the content, all of which tell the story of data in the larger context of an organization’s needs and goals. 

Live Online Data Visualization Training

Another excellent way to learn data visualization is in the live online format. Like in-person study, live online coursework provides an interactive, engaging platform for receiving hands-on data visualization training from industry experts. Participants have access to an instructor in real-time, which means they can ask questions and receive guidance as they learn core data visualization concepts. Since students can complete live online study remotely from the comfort of any home or office, it doesn’t require commuting to and from campus or battling rush-hour traffic to attend class. However, since this study format requires that students attend regularly scheduled meetings, those interested in live online data visualization classwork may still need to take time off work for class.

If you want to study data visualization in the live online format, many excellent learning options are available from top educational providers. Live online data visualization classes are offered in various topics, such as using Excel in business, Python for data science, machine learning, and Tableau. Noble Desktop has a live online Data Analytics Certificate, a project-based course in which students learn how to work with predictive analytics tools like forecasting and regression models, as well as prescriptive analytics tools like Solver and Scenario Manager. 

Noble also has a live online Python Machine Learning Bootcamp designed to teach students machine learning techniques for creating algorithms that can independently make decisions and identify patterns. In addition to the classes available from Noble, other courses are listed, such as Skillspire’s Intro to Data Analytics and its Deluxe Data Analytics Track. Ledet Training also offers Tableau 101, a beginner-friendly course that covers workflow management, data breakdowns, and guided data presentation. 

On-Demand Data Visualization Classes

In addition to in-person and live online data visualization study options, another popular way to learn more about this topic is to enroll in self-paced study. Unlike live data visualization study, which meets at regularly scheduled intervals, asynchronous data visualization resources are often pre-recorded and pre-loaded, which means they can be watched or read at any time, and from any location. This makes them a popular learning option for those whose schedule requires the flexibility of fitting study in with other responsibilities, like full-time work or family functions. 

Self-paced data visualization study is an affordable method of learning. Whereas in-person or live online courses generally cost hundreds of dollars, and certificates can cost thousands, on-demand data visualization material is often available for much less, if not for free. In addition, because so many video resources and tutorials are available on data visualization, you can choose content most suited to your learning needs, such as short videos on specific visualization techniques or longer, more thorough overviews of the field of data analytics. However, it’s important to be aware that not all online content is created equally; when deciding which self-paced study material is best, you’ll want to consider which is the most up-to-date, which provides real-world examples, and which is presented in a manner that’s most accessible.

A variety of on-demand learning data visualization resources are available for those new to data analytics and visualization, as well as more advanced learners interested in mastering complex visualization tools and processes. Self-paced courses on general data visualization topics are currently offered, such as Udemy’s Data Storytelling and Data Visualization [2021] and Skillshare’s Introduction to Data Visualization: From Data to Design. In addition, Excel-specific training is also offered, such as Noble Desktop’s Top 10 Beginner Excel Tricks You Need to Know and Shaw Academy’s MS Excel Training Classes Online. 

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

If you’re looking for an overview of data visualization rather than a time-intensive course, you can start learning to visualize data for free online. Noble Desktop offers a free data science webinar, which provides 80 minutes of instruction on the various applications of Python in the field of data science. Participants also receive a general overview of the field of data science, including the various skills required to be a Data Scientist and how to apply them to real-world data. This beginner-friendly video is a great first step for learners before they dive into a data science class or certificate program.

In addition to Noble’s free data science webinar, other top educational providers offer free beginner-friendly content on visualizing data. edX’s Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel prepares learners to perform data analysis using Excel features. Students also receive instructions on creating PivotTables. Those interested in learning how to create data visualizations with Microsoft Power BI can enroll in Udemy’s Data Visualization with Power BI, which teaches learners how to create reports to convey data findings. Coursera’s Data Visualization is another free learning option. Participants in this 15-hour class receive instruction on data mining and pattern-based data classification.

Read more about free data visualization videos and online tutorials. 

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

Deciding which data visualization training method is the right match for you depends on various factors. The good news is that there are many excellent training options in both the in-person and online formats to help you learn more about visualizing data. For those interested in studying data visualization in a traditional classroom environment, in-person study is an excellent option. This engaging format provides hands-on training from industry professionals. Students can access an instructor available at every meeting to answer questions and provide support. In addition, this learning format facilitates networking with other classmates, a benefit that is likely to extend beyond the classroom. Participants have access to a computer lab that offers the most up-to-date software.

Live online data visualization study is another effective and interactive way to learn data visualization. Similar to in-person study, those in live online classes connect with an instructor in real time, which provides immediate answers to questions and guidance on challenging concepts. Participants in live online data visualization classes have the added perk of being able to complete all coursework remotely. This means they don’t have to battle rush-hour traffic or search for parking to attend class; instead, they can finish lessons from the comfort of their home or office space.

For learners who must balance their study of data visualization with other commitments, such as family events or full-time employment, self-paced learning options are also available. On-demand content, like tutorials, webinars, YouTube channels, and community forums, provides a flexible, accessible method for learning to visualize data. Since content is pre-recorded, it can be accessed from any location, watched at any time, and paused and rewound as often as necessary to facilitate note-taking. In addition, asynchronous materials are often much more affordable than regularly meeting courses. Some online content is even available for free. 

However, it’s important to note that information on data visualization can quickly become outdated. That’s why choosing a reputable educational provider and selecting lessons on the most up-to-date tools, and software is essential. Additionally, since participants don’t have access to an instructor, on-demand data visualization study can be challenging, particularly with more advanced concepts. Often, this learning format provides a good starting point, but more structured learning options may be necessary to help you master advanced data visualization procedures.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Data Visualization Online

Learning in the online environment is an effective way to study data visualization. The flexibility afforded by online study makes it a great learning option for many busy individuals. If you are looking to get the most out of your online data visualization study, the following are some tips to help you succeed:

• The process of learning data visualization requires time and patience. Instead of trying to master all the aspects of data visualization at once, it’s beneficial to take skills one at a time. For example, if you’re new to visualizing data, you may start your studies by reviewing basic design concepts, revisiting core data analytics skills, and exploring examples of compelling data visualizations (Tableau Public is an excellent, free resource where you can browse thousands of visualizations). Once you have established a solid foundation in design and data analytics, it will be much easier to progress to working with visualization software and applications.
• Because data visualization requires various tools, it’s important to ensure your computer has the most up-to-date software and applications. You’ll want to have the newest version of Tableau and Microsoft Excel. As you further explore data visualization, you may also wish to download programming languages like Python because it has an extensive collection of data visualization libraries.
• No matter what sort of online content you choose to use, such as a YouTube playlist, a webinar, or online tutorials, it’s essential to ensure that the course material comes from a reputable source and is up to date. 
• Suppose you decide to learn data visualization in the self-paced format. In that case, you will not have access to an instructor to help with questions or provide guidance on more complex visualization concepts. That’s why it’s a good idea to reach out to others, such as former professors, coworkers, or even members of online forums like the Tableau Community that can provide guidance and support as you study data visualization. 
• Online study requires the same diligence and focus as in-person coursework. That’s why you will need to find a location that’s quiet and free of distractions to complete coursework. In addition, a strong internet connection is necessary for study.

Learn Data Visualization with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

If you’re interested in studying data visualization, Noble Desktop offers several in-person and live online courses that provide hands-on training. For those who wish to work with Tableau for visualizing data, Noble’s Tableau for Data Visualization Bootcamp is an excellent option. Participants receive an overview of the field of data visualization and learn about Tableau Public’s visualization tools. By course completion, students will have a solid understanding of identifying which datasets to connect to and how to analyze, filter, and organize data to make customized, publishable visualizations. This course also offers the option of a free retake for those interested in revisiting Tableau concepts. 

Noble’s in-person or live online Data Analytics Certificate is another good learning option for those seeking a more intensive study option. This rigorous program provides expert instruction on various data analytics concepts and prepares learners to become Business Analysts or Data Analysts. By course completion, all participants will be familiar with core business intelligence, statistical analysis, data analysis, and data visualization concepts. This is a project-based course in which students will complete various real-world projects using prescriptive and predictive analytics. All students receive one-on-one mentoring as part of tuition.

In addition, other in-person and live online data visualization courses are also available from Noble Desktop. Those who wish to learn the tools to become Data Scientists may consider enrolling in Noble’s Data Science Certificate, which covers machine learning, automation, SQL, and Python. A Python for Data Science Bootcamp covers fundamental and complex Python programming concepts, such as creating programs and using statistics to make machine learning models. 

The Excel Bootcamp is also available, which teaches core spreadsheet functions like working with macros, formulas, and PivotTables. Finally, those interested in working with SQL to extract information from databases can enroll in Noble’s SQL Bootcamp. This course prepares learners to write queries, aggregate data, and filter results using Postgre SQL.

Key Insights

• For extroverted learners, in-person data visualization coursework is an excellent option since it provides a way to network with classmates and access an instructor. Live online study is also an effective way to learn data visualization and offers the same real-time access to an instructor.
• For those who aren’t ready to commit to a full-time course in data visualization, self-paced study options are offered online, such as videos, tutorials, and community forums. 
• Studying data visualization in the online environment can be extremely rewarding, especially if you take measures to ensure that you have a quiet study space, a support network available to answer questions, and the patience to tackle the learning process step by step.
• If you want to learn more about how to create visualizations based on data findings, Noble Desktop has in-person and live online data visualization courses available.