{"id":3118,"date":"2023-12-19T16:37:40","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T16:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texas-air.org\/?page_id=3118"},"modified":"2025-03-12T19:00:29","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T19:00:29","slug":"2024-tair-pre-conference-workshops","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.texas-air.org\/index.php\/conferences\/2024-tair-conference-2\/2024-tair-pre-conference-workshops\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 TAIR Pre-Conference Workshops"},"content":{"rendered":"

W1 – IPEDS – Benchmarking: Supporting Decision Making and Institutional Effectiveness<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 \u2013 8:45am \u2013 12:00pm<\/strong><\/p>\n

This workshop introduces the fundamentals of benchmarking as a way to demonstrate institutional effectiveness. It is designed for individuals with little to no experience in benchmarking studies. Participants use data from the IPEDS Surveys, Data Feedback Reports, and the \u201cUse the Data\u201d center at the NCES website to learn about the types of comparison groups that can be constructed. Exercises demonstrate establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) and identification of variables to refine comparison groups.<\/p>\n

Cost: FREE<\/p>\n

Presenter: Association for Institutional Researchers<\/p>\n

Level: Beginner<\/p>\n

Track: Reporting Knowledge and Skills<\/p>\n

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W2 – IPEDS Data Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 \u2013 1:00pm \u2013 4:15pm<\/strong><\/p>\n

This workshop provides a hands-on deep dive into the IPEDS Use the Data website to better determine which of the various tools to use in applied higher education research. Participants can expect to learn when to use Data Trends, Statistical Tables, Summary Tables, Compare Institutions, and Custom Data Downloads leading to increased efficiency in responding to data requests. We will explore each of these tools and the benefits and limitations of each.<\/p>\n

Cost: FREE<\/p>\n

Presenter: Association for Institutional Researchers<\/p>\n

Level: Beginner<\/p>\n

Track: Reporting Knowledge and Skills<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

W3 – An Introduction to Python<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 \u2013 1:00pm \u2013 4:15pm<\/strong><\/p>\n

This workshop is designed for college institutional researchers looking to dive into Python programming. Attendees will get a beginner-friendly introduction to Python, covering its basics and practical applications in data analysis. The session focuses on Python’s syntax, data structures, and functions, emphasizing their relevance in handling and analyzing complex datasets. Through hands-on exercises, participants will learn how Python can streamline tasks, perform statistical analysis, and automate processes. Real-world examples tailored to institutional research contexts will be highlighted, enabling attendees to apply Python’s capabilities directly to their work. This workshop aims to equip researchers with foundational Python skills, empowering them to enhance their data analysis techniques and streamline research methodologies.<\/p>\n

Topics include:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Why Python?<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Virtual Environment Setup using Anaconda (or miniconda)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Package installation<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jupyter Notebook<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Python basics<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Syntax<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Data structures<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Functions<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Classes<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Misc. tips<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Open-Source Packages<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pandas<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SciPy<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Scikit-learn<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Matplotlib<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Seaborn<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Case Studies<\/p>\n

The workshop format will be a presentation with encouraged attendee participation<\/p>\n

By the end of the workshop attendees will:<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Determine whether Python suits their needs as a department<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Learn about the anaconda distribution<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Learn about and how to install useful open source packages<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Learn about base Python features<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 See use cases specific to institutional research<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Be provided with a list of resources for further exploration<\/p>\n

Cost: $75<\/p>\n

Presenter: Matthew Wolfe \u2013 Tarrant County College<\/p>\n

Level: \u00a0Beginner<\/p>\n

Track: Collect, Analyze, Interpret & Report<\/p>\n

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W4 – Employing qualitative methods to enhance storytelling with data and prioritize student voice.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 \u2013 1:00pm \u2013 4:15pm<\/strong><\/p>\n

This workshop provides hands-on training with several qualitative methods to enhance data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting for student success. Participants will practice interview and focus group techniques as well as more innovative qualitative methods such as the use of charettes and participatory engagement with students or other stakeholders to support better storytelling. Processes such as IRB approval and challenges with recruitment as well as issues of generalizability will also be discussed.<\/p>\n

The first hour will provide hands-on training with interview, focus group, charettes, and other participatory engagement methods including assessment to determine what tools or techniques to prioritize. In the second hour we will analyze and interpret the data collected from our previous practice and produce a report. In the last hour we will discuss applications for future research and address potential issues including IRB approval, recruitment of participants, and generalizability. Throughout we will have opportunities for questions and considerations of meaningful student participation in institutional research to inform and promote student success.<\/p>\n

Attendees will:<\/p>\n