A Web-Based Learning Platform for Teaching Data Science to Non-Computer Majors

Xumin Liu, Erik Golen, Rajendra K. Raj, Kimberly Fluet

Abstract: A web-based learning platform is useful as it allows students with limited or no programming background to conduct in-depth hands-on practice in data science. Background: The need for data science coursework for non-computing majors has grown in recent years, given the demand in various disciplines. However, a substantial number of current data science courses are inappropriate for non-computing majors as they typically require a long chain of prerequisite courses in computer science and mathematics. Moreover, courses designed for computing majors do not match the preparation and interests of students majoring in other disciplines. Outcomes: This paper presents a platform for Learning Data Science (DSLP), a web-based platform, which assists in the teaching and learning of data science topics by students with limited or no coding experience, including those that have completed a high school AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) class or an equivalent CSP course increasingly offered in many colleges. Application Design: The platform helps students understand fundamental data science concepts and techniques, as well as provides them with an in-depth hands-on experience that goes beyond their coding capabilities. The platform offers various data visualization supports to help students understand data and analysis results. Students can use the platform to work on in-house datasets or their own data. This allows students to focus more on how to solve data science problems in various domains than how to write code. The platform also has several unique features that make it particularly helpful for teaching and learning data science topics such as code exemplification and sandbox, informative instructions, and progress monitoring. Findings: The platform has been used multiple times in data science courses for non-computing majors offered at the authors' institution. Preliminary student feedback indicated that the platform is effective in terms of improving student understanding and interest in the topics.