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Build Data Skills

 

Welcome!

In this short course, you will learn practical skills for working with data.

You will learn how to:

  1. Find reliable secondary data.
  2. Collect data from reports and other sources.
  3. Identify and correct mistakes in a dataset.
  4. Organise and clean data using a spreadsheet.
  5. Prepare data for a database.
  6. Enter data correctly and responsibly.

You will practise these skills using real examples.

Remember: Good data must be accurate and trustworthy.

  • Be honest. Never make up numbers or information.
  • Work carefully. Do not rush when collecting, cleaning or entering data.
  • Check your work. Small mistakes can make data unreliable.

Before You Start

The lessons are listed on this website, but the learning activities are in Google Classroom. You therefore need to join our Google Classroom before starting the lessons.

Make sure you have a Google Account

Do you have Gmail?

  • If your email address ends in @gmail.com, you already have a Google Account.
  • You can use your Gmail address and password to join the course.

Do you use Yahoo, Hotmail, Outlook or another email? You can still join the course.

  • You do not need to create a new Gmail address.
  • You can create a Google Account using your existing Yahoo, Hotmail, Outlook or other email address.
  • Follow Google’s instructions to create the account and verify your email address.

Once your Google Account is ready, return to this page.

How the Course Works

There are 7 lessons. Complete them in order, starting with Lesson 1.

For each lesson:

  1. Come to this page and tap Access Lesson.
  2. The lesson will open in Google Classroom.
  3. Read or watch the learning materials provided.
  4. Complete the activity or assignment.
  5. Complete the quiz or test.
  6. Return to this page when you are ready for the next lesson.
  7. While you are in Google Classroom however, you may see a rectangular box near the top left of the screen. You can also use this box to choose and move from one lesson to another.

Tip: Submit the completed assignment and quiz: For each lesson, upload and submit the completed assignment and/or quiz as instructed.

Lesson 1: Selecting Reliable Secondary Data Sources

Learn how to choose secondary data sources that you can trust.

Access Lesson 1

Lesson 2: Extracting Data from Reports

Learn how to find the information you need in reports and enter it correctly into a spreadsheet.

Access Lesson 2

Lesson 3: Identifying Problems in a Dataset

Learn how to find common problems in data, such as repeated records, missing information, different formats and values that do not make sense.

Access Lesson 3

Lesson 4: Cleaning Data in a Spreadsheet

Learn how to correct and organise a dataset so that it is clean and ready to use.

You will practise correcting formats, removing repeated records and dealing with missing information.

Access Lesson 4

Lesson 5: Mapping Your Data to ecodb Fields

Learn how to match the columns in your spreadsheet with the correct fields in the ecodb database.

Access Lesson 5

Lesson 5: Mapping Your Data to ecodb Fields

Learn how to match the columns in your spreadsheet with the correct fields in the ecodb database.

Access Lesson 5

Lesson 6: Entering Clean Data into ecodb

Learn how to enter clean data into ecodb carefully, correct errors and check your work.

Access Lesson 6

Lesson 7: Data Ethics and Responsibility

Learn why honesty, accuracy and responsibility are important when collecting, using and sharing data.

Access Lesson 7

Having Trouble?

Don’t worry if Google Classroom does not open immediately. Check these common problems.

  1. Google Classroom asks you to sign in: Sign in using the Google Account you used to join the class.
  2. You have more than one Google Account on your phone: Google may open the wrong account. Switch to the Google Account you used when joining the course, then try the lesson again.
  3. You have not joined the class yet: Open Google Classroom, tap +, choose Join class, and enter class code; ext5ayrv and then tap join.
  4. You use Yahoo, Hotmail or Outlook: Your email address must first be set up as a Google Account. You do not have to change it to a Gmail address.

A lesson link still does not open: Check that:

  • Your mobile data or Wi-Fi is working.
  • You are signed in to the correct Google Account.
  • You have already joined the class.
  • You tapped the correct lesson.

If you still cannot access the course, contact the course facilitator for help.

Ready to Begin?

Once you have joined Google Classroom, start with Lesson 1 and work through the lessons in order.

Take your time, practise the activities and check your work.

Good data skills come from practice.