Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions¶
Q: How much does it cost to adopt Data 6?
A: The course materials are completely free. You will need a way for students to run notebooks (we often help with JupyterHub through Cloudbank) and an LMS if you want to use our Canvas cartridge—many campuses already have both. If you do not have a hub yet, we can discuss options.
Q: Can I modify the materials for my institution?
A: Yes! The public materials are available for you to adapt and customize. We only ask that you don’t distribute solutions publicly to protect the integrity of the course materials for all institutions.
Q: What if I don’t have JupyterHub at my institution?
A: We can help you set one up, or you can use alternative platforms like Google Colab, Binder, or your institution’s existing computing infrastructure. Contact us at ds
Q: How long does the adoption process take?
A: Many instructors are up and running in a couple of hours once they have GitHub access and import the Canvas template. Completing the Instructor Interest Form and getting repository access usually takes 24 hours. If JupyterHub is provisioned through Cloudbank, that part may take longer depending on scheduling—we will tell you what to expect when you get in touch.
Q: Do I need to be at a specific type of institution?
A: No! Data 6 is designed to be adaptable. While we particularly support community colleges and smaller institutions through NSF funding, the materials can be used at any educational institution.
Technical Questions¶
Q: What technical skills do I need to teach Data 6?
A: You should be comfortable with Python programming and basic data analysis concepts. Familiarity with Jupyter notebooks is helpful but not required. We provide training materials and support.
Q: What version of Python does Data 6 use?
A: Data 6 uses Python 3 with standard data science libraries (pandas, numpy, matplotlib, etc.). The course materials specify exact package versions for reproducibility.
Q: Can I use a different LMS besides Canvas?
A: Yes! While we provide a Canvas template, the materials can be adapted for other LMS platforms. The core notebooks work independently of the LMS.
Q: What about accessibility and privacy requirements?
A: We provide HECVAT documentation for privacy. For accessibility questions or institutional documentation, email ds
Grading Questions¶
Q: Do I have to use automated grading?
A: No, but it’s highly recommended. Automated grading saves significant time and provides consistent feedback. We support three options: Otter Service Standalone (web-based), GradeScope (paid service), or local grading. See the Grading section for details.
Q: How does the grading service work?
A: Students submit their notebooks, and the grading service automatically executes tests and checks outputs. Grades are exported to CSV format for easy import into your LMS. The process typically takes about 1 minute per 10 notebooks.
Support Questions¶
Q: What kind of support do you provide?
A: We provide:
Access to private solution repositories
Canvas template and setup assistance
Help with JupyterHub through Cloudbank when that is part of your adoption
Grading infrastructure support
Community forum and email support
Q: Can I get training on how to teach Data 6?
A: Yes! We offer workshops and can provide training materials. Contact us at ds
Q: What if I run into problems during setup?
A: Contact us at ds
Course Content Questions¶
Q: How is Data 6 different from Data 8?
A: Data 6 focuses specifically on computational thinking for data science and society, with a stronger emphasis on social science applications and computational social science. Data 8 is more general-purpose data science. Both courses complement each other.
Q: What prerequisites do students need?
A: Data 6 is designed as an introductory course. No prior programming experience is required, though basic math skills are helpful.
Q: How many students can the course accommodate?
A: The course has been taught to classes ranging from 20 to 200+ students. The infrastructure scales well, and we can help you plan for your class size.
Q: Can I see examples of student work?
A: We don’t share student work publicly, but we can provide sample assignments and solutions (with access) to help you understand the course level and expectations.