Visualization and data analysis in MS Excel

Abstract

Abstract: The article examines the problem of data analysis and visualization in the context of digitalization of the educational process and the growth of data volumes used for making managerial and pedagogical decisions. The relevance of using Microsoft Excel as an accessible and widespread tool for processing, analyzing, and visualizing data is substantiated. Theoretical principles of data analysis and visualization are considered. The pedagogical purpose of visualization tools is determined depending on the nature of the data and the goals of the analysis. An example of using Microsoft Excel in the pedagogical activities of teachers is considered, in particular: success; identification of risk groups; distribution of group comparison scores; dynamics of results, etc. A description of examples of use is provided and it is indicated which functions can be used to achieve this. It is considered and described how, depending on different types of diagrams, to provide a visual presentation of the analysis results, data visualization can be carried out in Microsoft Excel. Depending on the type of diagram, what pedagogical goal will be achieved and what pedagogical effects from their use we ultimately obtain. Considerable attention is paid to the practical aspects of using Microsoft Excel in the activities of a teacher. Using the example of using Microsoft Excel to analyze student success and attendance, a statistical analysis of learning outcomes (scores) was carried out and the possibilities of their visual representation using column, line and combination charts were demonstrated. It is shown that the use of visualization helps to increase the clarity of the analysis results, facilitates their interpretation and allows for timely identification of problematic aspects of the educational process. It is shown that effective data visualization contributes to better perception of analysis results, improves the quality of interpretation, and supports the adoption of informed management decisions in the field of education. Prospects for further research related to the integration of Microsoft Excel with modern analytical platforms are outlined.