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Big Data: How Data Analytics Is Transforming the World
In our age of accelerating progress in so many fields, it’s easy to lose sight of the underlying innovation that makes the data analytics revolution possible. These 24 lectures introduce you to the key concepts, methods, and accomplishments of this versatile approach to problem solving. You need no expertise in mathematics to follow this exciting story. Tim Chartier, professor of mathematics and computer science, explains the basic computational techniques used in data analytics, but his focus is on how these ideas are applied and the amazing results they achieve. His case histories make these lectures both accessible and entertaining. He takes you behind the scenes to witness many examples of data analysis in action, including the pitfalls and potential of Internet traffic analysis, algorithms that aim to predict what customers want, some of the best defenses for keeping your personal data private, how methods for filling out March Madness game brackets can be applied to other problems, and much more. Professor Chartier is a champion of the fun, challenge, and breathtaking power of mathematics - qualities that are beautifully illustrated in data analytics. And with his enjoyable lectures, you’ll discover concepts and tools that are transforming the world - and that you can use to transform your own life. It’s like watching a thrilling spectator sport that invites you to suit up and join the action!
179 pages
Published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 28, 2019
Watch a detailed review along with my favorite ideas and takeaways at:
https://youtu.be/2kP5AA-nGL4
https://youtu.be/2kP5AA-nGL4
August 1, 2019
A very very long TED talk. Not a Great Courses Course.
October 29, 2019
This was a decent lecture, but one that had a few major issues that kept distracting me.
The actual content of the lectures themselves is good and it goes over the details of what data analytics is and how it works. However, there's a lot of times when math is referenced in long equations or graphs are referenced that make it hard to follow along sometimes. While this normally isn't bad in a physical book, this is only available as a DVD or audio lecture and the latter only has the graphs available if you got a copy with the accompanying pdf files which require you to watch a screen while listening to the lectures. This can be inconvenient if you want to take it with you like I did. There's also a lot of times the lecturer will stutter or stumble over their words which can be distracting. It really feels like this was recorded in one take.
Overall I think with a few improvements to the presentation this would have been better, but a lot of the little things made it hard to focus on.
The actual content of the lectures themselves is good and it goes over the details of what data analytics is and how it works. However, there's a lot of times when math is referenced in long equations or graphs are referenced that make it hard to follow along sometimes. While this normally isn't bad in a physical book, this is only available as a DVD or audio lecture and the latter only has the graphs available if you got a copy with the accompanying pdf files which require you to watch a screen while listening to the lectures. This can be inconvenient if you want to take it with you like I did. There's also a lot of times the lecturer will stutter or stumble over their words which can be distracting. It really feels like this was recorded in one take.
Overall I think with a few improvements to the presentation this would have been better, but a lot of the little things made it hard to focus on.
July 31, 2019
An excellent coverage of the subject that is very approachable. I highly recommend this to anyone at all that has ever wondered how that ad for something you really want popped up even though you've never searched for it.
August 1, 2019
Partly my fault, but based on the title I assumed that this was about the impacts of data analytics on the world and not the actual minutae, maths, and algorithms of how "big data" functions. Tried to stick with it anyway but it bored me stiff.
March 7, 2021
If you don’t fall asleep whilst reading this then you have something wrong with you. It’s not because the information is boring, it’s just it’s laid out like a tafe course that could be taught in a day but is spread out for a whole term.
March 22, 2019
Lots of fluff in the early lectures. By mid course, things improve and the examples of analytics are useful. Definitely a survey course, though . Not enough empty for me.
May 15, 2019
The information is good, but he fudges every other sentence of his script, so it's a painful listen.
January 20, 2020
A very nice read on one of the most relevant topics in profession
July 25, 2021
Good overview course. Since it was an overview, some details of explanations were not given. Linear algebra is used for data analytics!
December 7, 2022
Highly informative, but definitely needs visual. Don't listen only.
May 14, 2023
An interesting overview of how increasingly large datasets and improved analytical capabilities are changing business and decision-making. The strongest examples show how information that previously went unused can reveal patterns, improve predictions, and make processes more measurable.
The enthusiasm surrounding big data should nevertheless be treated cautiously. More observations do not automatically eliminate selection bias, measurement problems or confounding, and a variable that predicts an outcome is not necessarily a variable that will cause the outcome to change when manipulated.
The real value of data therefore lies not in its volume but in whether it improves decisions. Data must be collected appropriately, analyzed with suitable methods, and connected to actions whose results can be evaluated.
Interesting and useful, although the underlying principles are more durable than some of the broader enthusiasm surrounding “big data.”
The enthusiasm surrounding big data should nevertheless be treated cautiously. More observations do not automatically eliminate selection bias, measurement problems or confounding, and a variable that predicts an outcome is not necessarily a variable that will cause the outcome to change when manipulated.
The real value of data therefore lies not in its volume but in whether it improves decisions. Data must be collected appropriately, analyzed with suitable methods, and connected to actions whose results can be evaluated.
Interesting and useful, although the underlying principles are more durable than some of the broader enthusiasm surrounding “big data.”
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews