CURV 893 - AI for Data Visualization
Course Description
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a vast field that encompasses various disciplines and requires a diverse skill set. As AI tools permeate workforces across all industries, it’s becoming increasingly important to demonstrate that you can effectively and ethically use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or DALL-E 2.
In AI for Data Visualization, you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to construct a series of prompts using generative AI tools to create data visualizations which summarize and describe a dataset. This microcredential will test your proficiency in generating AI-assisted data visualization, including your ability to understand and apply ethical guidelines to your data visualization creation process to ensure the effective and accurate visual representation of data sets.
Whether you're looking to enhance your professional skills or stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of AI, this microcredential assesses the skill sets necessary to excel in AI for Data Visualization.
What to Expect
This Curv microcredential demonstrates your proficiency in effectively and ethically using generative AI for Data Visualization. When you sign up, we provide refresher resources and exercises you can do independently to practice your skills. Then, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your competency. An expert will review your work, and you will receive your results with personalized feedback. If you meet our standard for expertise, you will receive a Toronto Metropolitan University Curv microcredential from the G. Raymond Chang School that proves you can:
- Use a clean dataset to construct a series of prompts for a generative AI tool, such as:
- Describing the purpose of the data visualization
- Introducing and describing the dataset, including any caveats or considerations
- Prompting the generative AI tool to create a script (e.g., using Python)
- Transfer the script into a notebook or data visualization tool (e.g., Google Colab)
- Review the result and correct errors or restart the process if necessary
- Consider ethical parameters and adapt accordingly
Meet the Industry Expert
Meet Ceni. This microcredentials was created by Dr. Ceni Babaoglu, expert in statistical machine learning, data mining, and deep learning. Her professional pursuits have led to collaborations with the Globe and Mail, Manulife, St. Mike’s Hospital, and Toronto Police Services. Dr. Babaoglu is a widely respected Data Analytics professor and mentor in the field.
Who Should Take This Program?
This program is designed to be inclusive and beneficial for anyone needing to create data visualizations professionally. It is suitable for individuals at all levels, from entry-level to executives. This microcredential is for those who want to demonstrate their ability to develop data visualizations that directly support work-related objectives with the assistance of AI.
Our microcredential focuses on practical application rather than just theoretical knowledge. It’s for professionals who want to validate their ability to incorporate AI into their everyday professional roles, particularly in creating data visualizations for business insights and decision-making. Enrolling in this program can significantly enhance your professional performance and give you a competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for this microcredential?
You should have foundational knowledge and skills before enrolling. If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of the following statements, then you may be ready to enrol:
- Basic computer literacy (hardware, software, internet, etc.)
- Knowledge and familiarity with at least one generative AI tool (e.g. Chat GPT, Google Bard, Bing Chat, etc.)
- Proficiency with spoken and written English
- Understanding and ability to use a notebook or data visualization tool (e.g., Google Colab)
What do I need to do for the assessment?
During the assessment, you will receive a randomly assigned scenario. You will use generative AI tools ethically to analyze a dataset typically found in a workplace. Your task will be to create a set of data visualizations that can be included in a presentation or report suitable for senior leadership. You will then compile your analysis and data visualizations in a report template, documenting your findings and interpretations using generative AI and Python.
The final report must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Include Python code snippets in the report for each task
- Present each task with its corresponding data visualization and interpretation
- Clearly label and explain each figure
- List all references in MLA format
- Include citations for any external tool used
- Submission of the PDF report and notebook (.ipynb file) for evaluation
What are the technological requirements for the assessment?
You will need a:
- Stable Internet connection (no minimum connection speed required)
- Computer with an Internet browser (e.g., Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) Note: Chrome Internet browser is recommended for optimal experience
- Mobile phone* capable of receiving an SMS text message
*Why do I need a mobile phone? To log in to the my.torontomu.ca portal and access the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace), you will need a mobile device for two-factor authentication.
How much time do I have to complete the assessment after enrolling?
Your microcredential will last two weeks. In the first week, you will have access to the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace) to explore the supporting materials and practice activities that prepare you for the assessment. The supporting materials are self-paced and can take approximately two to seven hours to complete, depending on your prior knowledge and experience.
In the second week, you will gain access to the assessment. You will be able to open the assessment window at any time within that second week. Depending on the microcredential, the assessment window may be time limited (for example, three hours).
What are my support options?
Upon enrolling, you will have access to refresher resources and exercises. Your expert assessor will be available through the D2L Support Forum for any questions prior to the assessment. If you have any questions or experience any technical issues, you may contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Computing and Communications Services (CCS) by email or phone.
What happens once I complete the assessment?
A week after you complete the assessment, you will receive your result from an expert assessor.
If you are able to meet the criteria and pass the assessment, you will receive a shareable Toronto Metropolitan University digital credential. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or anywhere you want to display your achievements.
If you are not able to meet the criteria and do not pass the assessment, you can re-enrol and try again when the next offering of this microcredential is available. Be sure to review your feedback and ensure that you have filled any gaps in knowledge or skill before registering for a future offering of this microcredential.