Tableau Desktop Level 1: Introduction Course Outline
(2 days)
Version 9.0/10.0
*** WARNING: High Volume Class, Sign Up Early ***
Tableau is our most popular series of classes. A green flag beside a date on the right means that a session has met the minimum enrollment levels and is running. However, it is common for dates for this course to fill weeks in advance. Even if a date has a green flag, you might not be able to get into that session if it is full. To avoid disappointment, it is best to register for this class at least three weeks in advance.
Overview
Tableau has for some time been one of the most popular Business Intelligence and data visualization tools available. Why? Because, quite simply, it’s a tool that’s responsive to the needs of modern businesses. But it’s most effective when you know how to get what you want from it – it might make your business intelligent, but it isn’t going to make you intelligent…
We’ll make sure you’re well prepared to take full advantage of Tableau 10’s new features. Whether you’re an experienced data analyst that wants to explore 2016’s new Tableau, or you’re a beginner that wants to expand their skillset and bring a more professional and sharper approach to their organization, we’ve got you covered. Beginning with the fundamentals, such as data preparation, you’ll soon learn how to build and customize your own data visualizations and dashboards, essential for high-level visibility and effective data storytelling. You’ll also find out how to so trend analysis and forecasting using clustering and distribution models to inform your analytics.
But it’s not just about you – when it comes to data it’s all about availability and access. That’s why we’ll show you how to share your Tableau visualizations. It’s only once insights are shared and communicated that you – and your organization – will start making smarter and informed decisions. And really, that’s exactly what this guide is for.
Features
• Create stylish visualizations and dashboards that explain complexity with clarity
• Learn effective data storytelling to transform how your business uses ideas and makes decisions
• Explore all the new features in Tableau 10 and start to redefine what business analytics means to your organization
Learning
• Find out how to build effective visualizations and dashboards
• Prepare and clean your data so you can be sure Tableau is finding answers to your questions – not raising more problems
• Discover how to create advanced visualizations that explain complexity with clarity and style
• Dig deeper into your data with clustering and distribution models that allow you to analyze trends and make forecasts
• Learn how to use data storytelling to aid decision-making and strategy
• Share dashboards and visualizations to cultivate a culture where data is available and valued
Version
This course will be taught with the Version 10 course materials and software. Users of Tableau Version 9 will feel comfortable in the class because the user interface is very similar between versions 9 and 10. Instructors will also be able to highlight new features and differences between the two versions, as appropriate.
Audience
This two-day course is designed for the beginner Tableau user. It will help you understand and use the basic techniques for creating visualizations and combining them in interactive dashboards. This course is taught using Tableau version 10 software. However, the class is appropriate for users of version 9 and the instructor will highlight the minor differences between the two versions.
Prerequisites
Before attending this course, students should have experience using Microsoft Excel.
Certification Options
This class, when combined with our Tableau Level 2 class, offer a strong foundation in preparation for the Tableau Qualified Associate Exam. Exam prep guide is shown here: mkt.tableau.com/files/Desktop-9-QA-Prep-Guide.pdf
Course Outline
1: Creating Your First Visualizations and Dashboard
Connecting to data
Foundations for building visualizations
Visualizing data
Creating bar charts
Creating line charts
Creating geographic visualizations
Using Show Me
Bringing everything together in a dashboard
Summary
2: Working with Data in Tableau
The Tableau paradigm
Connecting to data
Managing data source metadata
Working with extracts instead of live connections
Tableau file types
Joins and blends
Filtering data
Summary
3: Moving from Foundational to More Advanced Visualizations
Comparing values across different dimensions
Visualizing dates and times
Relating parts of the data to the whole
Visualizing distributions
Visualizing multiple axes to compare different measures
Summary
4: Using Row-Level, Aggregate, and Level of Detail Calculations
Creating and editing calculations
Overview of the three main types of calculations
Level of Detail calculations
Parameters
Practical examples of calculations and parameters
Ad hoc calculations
Performance considerations
Summary
5: Table Calculations
Overview of table calculations
Quick table calculations
Relative versus fixed
Scope and direction
Addressing and partitioning
Custom table calculations
Practical examples
Data densification
Summary
6: Formatting a Visualization to Look Great and Work Well
Formatting considerations
Understanding how formatting works in Tableau
Adding value to visualizations
Summary
7: Telling a Data Story with Dashboards
Dashboard objectives
Example - is least profitable always unprofitable?
Designing for different displays and devices
How actions work
Example - regional scorecard
Stories
Summary
8: Making Data Work for You
Structuring data for Tableau
Techniques for dealing with data structure issues
Overview of advanced fixes for data problems
Summary
9: Advanced Visualizations, Techniques, Tips, and Tricks
Advanced visualizations
Sheet swapping and dynamic dashboards
Advanced mapping techniques
Using background images
Animation
Summary
10: Sharing Your Data Story
Presenting, printing, and exporting
Sharing with users of Tableau Desktop and Tableau Reader
Sharing with users of Tableau Server, Tableau Online, and Tableau Public
Additional distribution options using Tableau Server
Summary
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