Spotfire is a commercial software that is used by companies to view their data in an interactive way, with the goal to explore, analyze, and discover patterns in the data. The data visualizations are not static images; they are instantaneously updated based on user-specified parameter input.
By using a ‘real-world’ software tool and data sources as supplemental materials (e.g. Global Shark Attack File and World Cup data from 1930 to 2014, etc.), students can be introduced to data mining and gain skills in seeing and analyzing data. |
This tool supports Piaget’s theory (1958), in that “assimilation and accommodation require an active learner, not a passive one, because problem-solving skills cannot be taught, they must be discovered.” Through using this free-demo tool, the students can engage in the ‘process’ of multi-dimensional data analysis and not focus on arriving at a single destination. Teachers can be facilitators to guide students through the data discovery process but allow the students to derive meaning and insight from the data visualization on their own. This method is active and collaborative, which requires students to ‘rediscover’ or ‘reconstruct’ truth.
Piaget, J. (1958). The growth of logical thinking from childhood to adolescence. AMC, 10, 12
The limitation of showing these demos is that since the target audience is not directed toward educational personnel, there is some learning curve for the those who is unfamiliar with the website.
Piaget, J. (1958). The growth of logical thinking from childhood to adolescence. AMC, 10, 12
The limitation of showing these demos is that since the target audience is not directed toward educational personnel, there is some learning curve for the those who is unfamiliar with the website.