Collaboration in a Data Analytics Curricula: An Active Learning Approach

In today’s labor market, employers are seeking candidates with a combination of both workforce specific skills and data analytics skills knowledge. Students who complement their degree program can increase their earning potential and job prospects by doing so. To meet the needs of the students, a unique partnership between academic, industry, and the university career center was created for a Data Analytics and Decision making course. The aim of the pilot course was to introduce Liberal Arts students to Data Analytics strengthening their marketability and skill offerings for internships and post-graduate job opportunities. The use of various active learning techniques was implemented into the course curriculum and are discussed. Qualitative results suggest students like the active-learning-based approach, gained Data Analytic skills, and enhanced their knowledge of real-world use of Big Data for decision makin