So far...

I've decided to track my activities for my independent study course for the spring of 2012 via this blog. I've been at it for a few weeks, so this will be a bit of a catch-up.

I'm going to focus on three related topics:

• Educational data mining
• Visual analytics
• Information visualization

I've identified a text related to each and have begun reading the text on EDM. Early chapters are surveying techniques of (educational) data mining. It is worth noting that the second chapter of the book (chapter 1 was the Intro) was entitled Visualization in Educational Environments. 

Chapter 3 is a useful review of the basics of statistical analysis. 

Chapter 4 describes the Pittsburgh Science of Learning Center (PSLC) DataShop. This resource provides (1) an environment for data storage and dissemination that aligns with the demands of the NSF data management plan requirement and (2) a ready repository of educational datasets. 

Chapter 5, which I'm currently reading, addresses classification as a data mining process. 

I've also started to develop a website which will serve as a repository for my learning, located here:

https://sites.google.com/a/utexas.edu/edvis/

Falling asleep, so I'll publish this one and pick it up tomorrow.