Strategic Data Skills

This course is for anyone working in organisations, who wants to make better decisions with data, or who is leading, or commissioning, data analysis and data-informed decision-making work.

Successfully complete Strategic Data Skills to demonstrate your ability to help any organization generate actionable, strategic insights from data.

Attend the course if you want:

• A boost to your career – whether you want to demonstrate to potential employers your ability to work with data, or showcase your new skills to peers and managers, the course certificate from the ODI provides evidence of your skills.
• Data to inform your work – the course shows you how to make better decisions with data.
• To avoid harmful impacts – discover how to balance the need to create an impact, with the need for ethical approach whilst working with data.
• To embrace open innovation – get hands-on experience of how you can use open and shared approaches to working with data to create exciting new products and services.

How this course will benefit your company

After attending Strategic Data Skills participants have the ability to help any organisation:

• Make better decisions with data,
• Demonstrate to clients and stakeholders its ability to work effectively with data,
• Identify how open and shared data infrastructures can improve decision making,
• Apply strategic thinking to new data projects,
• Adopt open and shared approaches that make it easier to create and build impactful products and services,
• Avoid reputational risks by considering data ethics as part of a project.

No previous experience of data is required. Good computer skills are essential and you should be happy working in spreadsheet tools. You will need access to a computer with spreadsheet applications, such as Microsoft Excel installed. Being able to install additional software on your computer is highly recommended.

On the course we demonstrate the use of OpenRefine* for increasing the quality of data and use Tableau* to demonstrate an alternative to Excel/PowerBI for analysis. Use of certain tools is not mandatory and it will not reduce your ability to complete activities. However, these tools do support you in completing the activities in an efficient and effective way and therefore we recommend that a suite of tools be accessible to you.

*OpenRefine is a powerful desktop app used for re-organising and cleaning data. It is Open Source and creates a web server on your local machine. It is available from http://openrefine.org/download.html

*Tableau is a professional licensed tool. However, there is a web based platform that is free to use available via Tableau Public: https://public.tableau.com/app/discover

Learning Experience

The ODIs self-paced courses allow learners to interact with data content via advanced interactive learning components. Our courses are not designed for learners to simply read. They are designed for active learning and prioritise the application of learning through authentic action.

Our courses integrate a Tutor’s AI assistant that is able to offer specific real-time tailored feedback to learners based upon their answers and solutions to activities. This is powered by ChatGPT and embedded into Adapt Learning. All activities utilising the Tutor’s AI assistant are fed model answers and solutions to the problem set. This is used to review the learners input and provide feedback in an effective and efficient manner that is personalised directly to the learner.

Complete the course and you will be eligible for your Certificate of Achievement from the Open Data Institute

Course Syllabus

View the Strategic Data Skills Course Syllabus

What is Moodle and how does it work?

Moodle is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that provides a platform for online learning. It offers a range of tools and features to facilitate course delivery, communication, and assessment. Learners can access course materials, submit their work and track their progress through Moodle.

How do I access my self-paced course on Moodle?

To access your self-paced course on Moodle, you will need to log in using your username (email address) and password. Once the course is purchased, you will receive further instruction regarding access.

Can I study at my own pace in self-paced courses on Moodle?

Yes, self-paced courses on Moodle are designed to allow learners to study at their own pace. You have the flexibility to progress through the course materials according to your preferred timeline.

Are there any specific requirements for taking self-paced courses on Moodle?

You need a computer or mobile device with internet access and a compatible web browser to access the Moodle platform.

Can I start a self-paced course anytime, or are there specific start dates?

Self-paced courses allow learners to start anytime they wish.

How long do I have access to a self-paced course on Moodle?

ODI Learning will grant online access to the course for up to 6 months from the learners date of enrolment, allowing you to revisit the materials whenever you need them. If you require access for longer please contact us at: training@theodi.org

How do I submit assignments or assessments in self-paced courses on Moodle?

Moodle provides a designated area within each course where you can submit assignments or assessments. You can upload files, enter text, or complete online quizzes depending on the specific requirements set. In some cases, ODI learning will have embedded activity types via our Adapt authoring tool. Submission instructions are typically provided within the course materials/activity.

Can I interact with other learners in self-paced courses on Moodle?

Interaction with other learners in self-paced courses on Moodle can vary depending on the course structure. Some courses may include discussion forums or collaborative activities where you can engage with peers. However, the level of interaction may differ. On some self-paced courses, peer-to-peer interaction is not required. Information about the courses can be found at https://learning.theodi.org/

How can I track my progress in a self-paced course on Moodle?

Moodle offers progress tracking features to help you monitor your progress in self-paced courses. You can typically view completed activities, track grades, and check your overall progress through the course dashboard or gradebook.

Are there any support services available for learners in self-paced courses on Moodle?

ODI Learning is always on hand to support you with your learning experience. If your query cannot be answered via the FAQ page, please reach out to training@theodi.org and we will be glad to assist you.

Can I receive a certificate upon completion of a self-paced course on Moodle?

The availability of certificates of completion on our self-paced courses on Moodle are triggered based upon the completion of required activities in your course. The required completion criteria will be explained in the introduction/welcome module of your course.

Are there any additional resources or external tools available for self-paced courses on Moodle?

Additional resources or external tools to support your learning are referenced throughout the course.

Can I retake formative and summative activities?

Absolutely, we encourage learners to reattempt activities as many times as they wish to reinforce learning.

How can I provide feedback or suggestions for improvement in self-paced courses on Moodle?

You can typically provide feedback through the Moodle platform via survey questions we have integrated into your course. Sharing your thoughts can contribute to the enhancement of future course offerings, and we encourage feedback. Should you wish to offer feedback outside this process, please email us at training@theodi.org.

I am visually impaired, how can I adjust the course interface for better accessibility?

You can find accessibility options by clicking on your user icon at the top right corner of the screen and selecting 'Accessibility.' Here, you can customize settings like font color, spacing, and size.