Preparing for a new topic in the area of Information systems requires one to take multiple routes and routines to gain reasonable, introductory level of proficiency. Take the case of data visualization.
First, understanding the purpose and then on to programming to develop skills for proficiency.
There are several tools, plenty of documentation, books and on going resources of materials, courses on the topic.
How does one pick books (for self study) and keep the focus?
Two books on the purpose (to present data - statistical and analytical effectively to target audience):
Visualize this by Nathan Yau, Visualizing Data O'Reilly publication
Two books for the tools:
Beginning Python Visualization: Crafting visual tranformation scripts
The art of R programming: A Tour of Statistical software design
These books may not turn out to be the ultimate learning tools. Changing these to find out better resources is part of the process of learning.
For on going learning and keeping up with trends, membership to an active forum would be necessary. For example, FlowingData offers yearly membership for access to tutorials, forums, ongoing developments in the field. Blogs on the subject are another area - O'reilly has Visualization of the week - ongoing series to keep one abreast and inspired on the field. That is a beginning.
The exercise requires grasping as well as acting on the knowledge sources to gain proficiency.
The plan does not stop here. Plans should be to prepare for complex and big things. Think small and simple for what you can achieve for the day!
Cultivating a body of knowledge is about acquiring knowledge, one project at a time, attending to details every day. While working towards the weekly goals, achieve the capability to solve larger problems in the area of work taken up.
Choosing a topic, understanding your audience in the field of study, required business (purpose) and technical (helpful) skills, being associated with relevant associations and organizations, attending events and organizations for getting exposed to trends and expertise in the field - all these are aids and tools to keep up!
First, understanding the purpose and then on to programming to develop skills for proficiency.
There are several tools, plenty of documentation, books and on going resources of materials, courses on the topic.
How does one pick books (for self study) and keep the focus?
Two books on the purpose (to present data - statistical and analytical effectively to target audience):
Visualize this by Nathan Yau, Visualizing Data O'Reilly publication
Two books for the tools:
Beginning Python Visualization: Crafting visual tranformation scripts
The art of R programming: A Tour of Statistical software design
These books may not turn out to be the ultimate learning tools. Changing these to find out better resources is part of the process of learning.
For on going learning and keeping up with trends, membership to an active forum would be necessary. For example, FlowingData offers yearly membership for access to tutorials, forums, ongoing developments in the field. Blogs on the subject are another area - O'reilly has Visualization of the week - ongoing series to keep one abreast and inspired on the field. That is a beginning.
The exercise requires grasping as well as acting on the knowledge sources to gain proficiency.
The plan does not stop here. Plans should be to prepare for complex and big things. Think small and simple for what you can achieve for the day!
Cultivating a body of knowledge is about acquiring knowledge, one project at a time, attending to details every day. While working towards the weekly goals, achieve the capability to solve larger problems in the area of work taken up.
Choosing a topic, understanding your audience in the field of study, required business (purpose) and technical (helpful) skills, being associated with relevant associations and organizations, attending events and organizations for getting exposed to trends and expertise in the field - all these are aids and tools to keep up!
