Utilizing Freely Available Technologies for Institutional Dashboards
Gregory D. Carlson, Ph.D.; Amanda Fickes, B.S.; John Boucha, M.S.; David DeMuth, Jr., Ph.D. Valley City State University, North Dakota
Abstract:
This presentation highlights the synergistic work between
offices at Valley City State University aimed at producing
web-based dashboard interfaces to inform campus
decision making. These interfaces build upon extensive
STEM work to create web-based graphical displays
featuring student demographic, enrollment trend, and
longitudinal survey data, using freely available Google
Fusion Tables, Google Charts, and the Google Maps API.
Dashboards:
● Use graphics to measure performance
● Beneficial for monitoring trends
● Design Guidelines::
○ Efficiently use space
○ Essential graphs and charts
○ Organize information
○ Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Features:
● Low cost
● Web-based
● Ubiquitous
● Turn-key
Goals:
1. Provide common user interface outside of the
standard Blackboard content management
environment
2. Allow stakeholders to explore data without
extensive software or interface training
3. Facilitate data-driven decisions
History:
1. VCSU GPSTEM
a. Developed commodity state/county mapping
b. Fusion Tables established editability/modularity
2. VCSU IR
a. Data shared as spreadsheets cumbersome
b. Considered investing in dashboard systems
c. Set a goal for enrollment data mapping
d. Recognized synergies with GPSTEM
3. VCSU IR + GPSTEM
a. Working together on data representation
Examples of teacher resource center locations and popup contact windows; soil map showing land capability classification in
popup window and legend and Fusion tables ability to use any unique polygon shapes; and logos of project sponsors and a bar
graph of their contributions using the chart and card layout options pulled automatically from Fusion Tables.
Report
Technology:
● Google Fusion Tables
○ Data management
accessible to average
skilled users
● Google Charts
○ easy data
representation
● Google Maps
○ Plot (dispersion)
○ Heatmap (density)
Microsoft Excel
Google Spreadsheets
Google Fusion Table
2
+2
+
Tables
Cards
Charts
Maps
Summaries
Javascript = ∞
The data process begins with generating a report via the Campus
Connection web-system, exporting as an Excel worksheet, then importing
to a Google Spreadsheet which in turn is imported as as a Fusion Table
which makes for an excellent database interface. From there tables,
cards, charts, maps and summaries are generated, and can be
customized using Javascript.
Sample Dashboards
1.
Hometown of VCSU students
2.
Enrollment & degree completion trends
3.
Enrollment statistics, race/gender
4.
Surveys - students, faculty, and staff
5.
Distance education statistics
a.
online
b.
on campus
c.
online / campus
The same source Fusion Table data as shown in finished
maps below, but displayed using built-in Fusion Tables
tools. Maps are limited to 1,000 data points, and
visualization options are limited. Maps below show what
can be done with further manipulation of maps using
Javascript and API tools.
This HighCharts graph illustrates VCSU Fall enrollment trends from 1970-2014
This map illustrates student density of Fall enrollment by North Dakota county of residence. 2004-2014
This graph highlights Fall enrollment from Fall 2004-Fall 2014, showing the Fusion Table Summary option, which counts or
averages data from a table, and can be used to create charts, in addition to creating charts directly from table data entries.
Corn commodity polygon county map with ethanol plant point overlaps and popup
windows. Layer builder allows easy development of multi-layer maps. Pop-up windows
are formatted directly from Fusion Tables interface.
Heat Map: Select Fall Term and Level (Undergraduate, Graduate, or all). *Some locations are unavailable.
Conclusion and Implications:
● This project featured IR & GPSTEM collaboration on
web-based graphical displays for KPI’s with freely
available Google technologies.
● Stakeholder demonstrations
● Solicit campus feedback
● Develop additional dashboards for internal and
external audiences
● Email [email protected] with questions
References:
This chart illustrates a STEM kit curriculum materials layout, with
displays showing kit organization by lesson plan or by container
location. Information is displayed in multiple formats, including a
table (top), cards (middle) and cards with photos (bottom). A
trunk containers table is merged with a trunk materials table for
ease of updating the kit.
This map notes Ag Cab Lab event times, locations, and
attendance. Tools utilized include the map, merge
tables to apply map point markers based on a factor
(in this case the type of event), The timeline is one type
of Google Chart and shows attendance per day of the
various events. The timeline can be zoomed to show a
set time period, and pop up windows display the exact
attendance when hovered over.
1. Halevy, A. & Shapley, R. (09 June 2009). Google Fusion Tables. Google. Retrieved
03 Nov. 2014.
2. Howard, R. D.; McLaughlin, G. W.; Knight, W. E. and Associates. (2012). The
handbook of institutional research. 1st ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
3. “United States.” Map. Google Maps. Google, 03 Nov. 2014. Web. 03 Nov. 2014.
Map of US residents based on Fall term enrollment census report
Valley City State University is a public, regional university offering exceptional programs in an active, learner-centered community that promotes meaningful scholarship, ethical service, and the skilled use of technology. As an important knowledge
resource, the University offers programs and outreach that enrich the quality of life in North Dakota and beyond. Through flexible, accessible, and innovative baccalaureate and master's programs, VCSU prepares students to succeed as educators,
leaders, and engaged citizens in an increasingly complex and diverse society.