COMM5501 Data Visualisation and Communication - 2024

General Course Information

Course Code :  COMM5501

Year :  2024

Term :  Term 3

Teaching Period :  T3

Course Details & Outcomes

Course Description

How can data help you tell a story? How can you use data storytelling to then tackle some of the big challenges we are facing around the world?

Data visualisation and communication are critical skills in many professions. The creation of targeted, easily digestible visuals allows us to make sense of complex information in an accessible and easily understandable way. The ability to employ visuals will enhance almost any presentation to better engage our audience, make our messages more memorable, and facilitate more effective decision-making.

In this course, we will give you the tools to create your own data story addressing a pressing and current global challenge as identifed by the UN SDGs. You will learn how to design your story for your chosen audience, how to criticise misrepresentations of data (especially the intentional ones), and drive action to address your chosen challenge.

So, how will you leave the world a better place?

Course Aims

This course aims to create a strong foundation in data storytelling for students. Students will receive hands-on experience in creating effective data visualisations with the aim of communicating complicated issues to diverse audiences, with the intention to bring about impactful change. This process will also involve students giving peer feedback on each other's work as part of building critical evaluation and refectionskills.

Relationship to Other Courses

The ideas introduced in this course around developing the skill of effective data storytelling will form. a strong foundation for effective, evidence-based communication applicable to many disciplines.

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning and Teaching Technologies

Moodle - Learning Management System

Assessments

Assessment Structure

Assessment Details

Weekly Formative tasks

Assessment Overview

Tasks designed to give students feedback on their progress

Course Learning Outcomes

· CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software packages and techniques

· CLO2 : Critically evaluate and interpret data graphics

· CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems

· CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences

Assignment submission Turnitin type This is not a Turnitin assignment

Generative AI Permission Level No Assistance

This assessment is designed for you to complete without the use of any generative AI. You are not permitted to use any generative AI tools, software or service to search for or generate

information or answers.

For more information on Generative AI and permitted use please see here. Data Story Content

Assessment Overview

Structured set of activities for students to create content for their data story

Course Learning Outcomes

· CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software packages and techniques

· CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems · CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences

Assignment submission Turnitin type This is not a Turnitin assignment

Generative AI Permission Level Simple Editing Assistance

In completing this assessment, you are permitted to use standard editing and referencing

functions in the software you use to complete your assessment. These functions are described below. You must not use any functions that generate or paraphrase passages of text or other     media, whether based on your own work or not.

If your Convenor has concerns that your submission contains passages of AI-generated text or media, you may be asked to account for your work. If you are unable to satisfactorily

demonstrate your understanding of your submission you may be referred to UNSW Conduct & Integrity Ofce for investigation for academic misconduct and possible penalties.

For more information on Generative AI and permitted use please see here.

Use of basic tools such as grammar and spelling checkers are permitted in the preparation of your assignment. However, ideas used in your work must be your own, and cannot come from generative AI.

Data Story Project

Assessment Overview

Structured set of activities for students to assemble and showcase their content

Course Learning Outcomes

· CLO1 : Produce appropriate high quality data visualisations using a variety of software packages and techniques

· CLO3 : Apply data storytelling techniques to a range of business and societal problems

· CLO4 : Communicate data insights effectively to a variety of audiences

Generative AI Permission Level Simple Editing Assistance

In completing this assessment, you are permitted to use standard editing and referencing functions in the software you use to complete your assessment. These functions are described below. You must not use any functions that generate or paraphrase passages of text or other media, whether based on your own work or not.

If your Convenor has concerns that your submission contains passages of AI-generated text or media, you may be asked to account for your work. If you are unable to satisfactorily demonstrate your understanding of your submission you may be referred to UNSW Conduct & Integrity Ofce for investigation for academic misconduct and possible penalties.

For more information on Generative AI and permitted use please see here.

Use of basic tools such as grammar and spelling checkers are permitted in the preparation of your assignment. However, ideas used in your work must be your own, and cannot come from generative AI.