using data issues william prothero university of california, santa barbara

Using Data Issues

William Prothero

University of California, Santa Barbara

Where does data access and display fit into the big picture?

Selecting appropriate datasetsWhat is measured, what are the errors, and

what does it mean?Constructing a mental model that connects a

data representation to a physical process or theory

How to fit data observation to a theoryPresenting and discussing ideasWriting a report or paper on the results and

interpretations

Example: the difference between interpretations and

observationsThe separation of ideas into interpretations and

observations is specific to each disciplineWhat counts for interpretations and what

counts for observations depends on what is accepted as “given” and what is being actively questioned

It is reasonable that students have difficulty distinguishing between the two.

Additional tools are required

Data representation (figures) annotation and markup require integrated or easily used drawing tools

Conveniently accessible information about the data

Enough theory or background information about the relevant processes

Students get overwhelmed to too large a data library

Consider the scope of the proposed investigation

Provide enough data to answer a rich range of questions (more that a single student or group would address.

Leave out irrelevant data

The Dataset JungleToo much data

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressorare needed to see this picture.

What does this mean for the developer?

The data deliverer must be strongly connected to the educators that use the data so that appropriate datasets can be selected and the range of potential investigations defined.

Comprehensive examples of how the data can be used to investigate interesting phenomena are essential

The Platform ProblemTo be useful, the data browser must

run on both Mac’s and PC’s.

Which OS?OSX, OS9Win95, Win98, WinXP, Win2000

Which browser?Explorer (MS is ending IE development for

Mac)Safari (Mac)

Design for browsing, make it easy to use

Many research based data browsers have obstacles that make students much less likely to use, or browse them.Slow responseInconvenient or unintuitive data access controls and

user interfaceUnexpected quirks in the display (inverted depths,

for example)No way to get the display to their desktop for

inclusion in reports or presentationsJargon: for example, “zonal” and “meridional”,

“analyzed” and “raw”.

NVODS on Safari Browser (Macintosh)

Fall GSA meeting, in SeattleQuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Lamont IRI Site: could be better


Lamont IRIDepth plotted upwards


Let’s make it

even harder

NVODS: Depth goes up, too.


Cognitive help is needed with mental models created from cross-sections

Students have a seemingly unusual difficulty creating a 3-D mental model from cross-sections

QuickTime™ and aSorenson Video decompressorare needed to see this picture.

The Good NewsCommon Sense Prevails

Make an interface that you would like to use yourself, if you were working with unfamiliar subject matter

Watch students use it. Note where they get confused

Facts:Students are very resourceful. Give them enough

information and they will figure out how to use an interface: I.e. it’s NOT about where the buttons are, it’s about making it possible for them to figure it out without too much effort.

Difficult Challenges for developers:Bugs: students are surprisingly tolerant of bugs,

until too much of their time is wasted. It is very difficult to keep complex software reasonably bug free.

User supportObsolescence: the constantly changing software

landscapeUpgrades and new featuresOS changesDevelopment platform enhancements

A complex resource requires “lifetime” maintenance.

Two Examples of Successful Data Delivery Resources

Our Dynamic PlanetDeveloped in 1994; maintained and

enhanced ever since.It began on Hypercard, migrated to

SuperCard, then ended up in Macromedia Director.

Global Ocean Data ViewerA joint project between New Media Studio

and William ProtheroBased on IDL graphics engine and

Macromedia Director

using data issues william prothero university of california, santa barbara

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