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Learning to See Data: How to Interpret the Visual Language of Charts by Ben Jones
The companion book to our on-demand course Data Literacy Level 1: Learning to See Data. This book will help you develop fluency in the interpretation of charts, an ability that we all need to hone and perfect if we are to make meaningful contributions in the professional, public and personal arenas of life. The principles covered in it also serve as a critical background for anyone looking to create charts that others will be able to understand. "This book is clear and evocative, thorough and thoughtful, and remarkably readable: a marvelous launchpad into the world of data." –Tamara Munzner, Professor, University of British Columbia Computer Science "Everyone of us needs good data literacy skills to survive in the modern world. Without them, it's hard to succeed at work, or survive the onslaught of information (and misinformation) across all our media. Ben's book provides the necessary building blocks for a strong foundation. From that foundation, Ben's approach will inspire you to own the process of developing your skills further." –Andy Cotgreave, Technical Evangelism Director, Tableau -
ChatGPT Basics: Exploring Its Origins, Uses, and Misuses by Ben Jones
The companion book to our on-demand course ChatGPT Basics: Foundations & Getting Started. ChatGPT Basics is the ultimate beginner's guide to understanding and utilizing the groundbreaking AI chatbot, ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI. This comprehensive book provides a thorough yet accessible introduction to the world of ChatGPT, enabling you to harness its potential effectively and responsibly. Starting with an engaging account of ChatGPT's inception and the impact it has had on the tech world, the book delves into the underlying technology that powers ChatGPT, offering insights into its inner workings. As you progress, you'll be introduced to the ethical and practical concerns surrounding this innovative tool, preparing you to use it cautiously and avoid potential pitfalls. With step-by-step guidance, you'll learn how to set up your account, explore various platforms to interact with ChatGPT, and create effective prompts that elicit meaningful responses. The book also offers recommendations on using ChatGPT across multiple interfaces, including the OpenAI website, Microsoft's "new Bing" search engine, the ChatGPT Basics on-demand course, and even unofficial mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. ChatGPT Basics is an essential resource for anyone eager to learn about ChatGPT and its applications. By the end of the book, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to employ ChatGPT responsibly, maximizing its potential while minimizing potential harm. So, get ready to embark on your ChatGPT journey and dive into the fascinating world of AI chatbots! -
The companion book to our on-demand course Data Literacy for Leaders: Empowering Organizations in a Data-Rich World. In "Leading in the Age of Data: Your Guide to the 7 Factors of Team Empowerment," Ben Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Data Literacy, reveals that effective leadership in today's digital era goes beyond data knowledge - it requires fostering an environment where data is used intelligently, ethically, and innovatively. Built on the foundation of the Data Literacy Score Team-Based Assessment tool, this pioneering work explores the 7 crucial factors for successful data leadership: Ethics, Purpose, Data, Technology, People, Process, and Culture. Jones lays bare the truth that the proficiency in data utilization is not just about the volume of data or the technological advancements at your disposal; instead, it is a balanced approach across these seven factors that breeds success. Jones meticulously breaks down each factor into 7 guiding principles, providing a total of 49 actionable strategies that leaders can implement directly. These principles are not just theoretical; they come equipped with an opportunity for self-assessment, allowing readers to identify their strengths and areas needing improvement. By the end of the book, you will have your own seven-pointed Data Leadership Compass to guide you through the intricate journey of data leadership. Not just for IT executives, this insightful guide equips leaders of all industries and disciplines with the tools, techniques, and philosophies necessary to uplift their team's data literacy. It invites you to transcend the traditional realms of leadership and enter an era where data informs decision-making, innovation, and growth. Join Ben Jones on a transformative journey to harness the full potential of data and evolve into a leader who embraces the complexities, the challenges, and the opportunities of a data-rich world. The data era is here; it's time to lead it. Praise for 'Leading in the Age of Data' "For decades, we've focused on technology and data for the answers. Yet they were never there. The answers have always been with... people. Today, our work lives and personal lives are changing so rapidly that we struggle to maintain a sense of focus, purpose and belonging. Those leaders who can harness the power of data to innovate, augment and enhance the customer and employee experience, will be the new pioneers of modern talent environments. In Leading in the Age of Data, Ben carefully unpacks the system of seven levers required to understand and create the conditions for raising awareness, wiring new connections and creating new habits by harnessing data. A must read for anyone serious about modern leadership in the age of data!" -Valerie Logan, CEO of The Data Lodge "Ben Jones's 'Leading in the Age of Data' is a must-read for all leaders. It's not just about DATA but about understanding people, ethics, and culture. Ben breaks down complex topics into clear lessons, showing how true leadership balances heart and numbers. My favorite section was the one on PEOPLE - 'in order to realize the benefits of technology, people almost always need to obtain some working knowledge and skills first.' While technology evolves, it's the human factor—people with their knowledge, ethics, and culture—that remains the most pivotal element in ensuring success. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to be a leader in the age of data!" -Kate Strachnyi, Founder of DATAcated "Organizations, vendors, and employees all say "Hey, you need a data culture." But there are very few practical guides that actually provide the necessary steps. This is the vital gap the book fills. Ben's conversational writing style is always a pleasure to read. -Andy Cotgreave, Co-author of The Big Book of Dashboards -
Read, Write, Think Data: A Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Data Into Wisdom by Ben Jones
The companion book to our on-demand course Data Literacy Level 2: Working Effectively with Data. Reading and interpreting charts and dashboards has become a daily task for all of us, but these days many of us find ourselves needing to work with raw data more and more often. The spreadsheets and databases we come across don’t announce their insights to us upfront. Instead, they require us to roll up our sleeves and sift them to find what’s hidden and valuable within them, like gold in a mine. Read, Write, Think Data by Ben Jones presents a tool-agnostic framework for posing powerful questions of data, preparing it for analysis, exploring what’s there, arriving at the “Aha!” moment, and then turning that insight into a compelling message that will help you drive change within your organization. The process can be followed with any tool, and multiple “how to” tutorials are included within to help you learn the ropes. “Want to learn how to read and use charts? That shouldn’t take long. How about creating charts? There are some great tools available that have short learning curves. But extracting, understanding, distilling, and accurately and ethically communicating insights from data? That’s not a trivial undertaking, but with this book, Ben will get you and your organization there a lot faster.” -Steve Wexler, Author of The Big Picture and Co-Author of The Big Book of Dashboard -
Working with Data Professionals (even if you aren't one!) by Anna-Maria Steverson
The companion book to our on-demand course Working with Data Professionals (even if you aren't one!). In today's increasingly data-rich world, understanding the nature of data work and effectively collaborating with data professionals has become a critical skill. Whether you're a manager, team leader, or a business decision-maker, knowing how to leverage the talents of data professionals can be your organization's game-changer. "Working with Data Professionals (even if you aren't one!)" is a helpful guide to enhancing your understanding of the data professional's world. Authored by industry veteran Anna-Maria Steverson, this book is a practical, hands-on roadmap to optimizing your organization's data capabilities. This book will delve into the depth and breadth of data work, including:- Understanding what data professionals do and the unique skill sets they possess.
- Navigating the process of hiring and managing a data team.
- Learning how to effectively measure the performance of data professionals.
- Building robust, collaborative relationships that enhance both data quality and usage in your organization.
