Where expertise and innovation meet, De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila recently had the honor of hosting Professor Jennifer Widom, Dean of Stanford University’s School of Engineering, for her highly anticipated third Instructional Odyssey. Held from September 10 to 13, 2024, at The Verdure in Henry Sy Sr. Hall, the workshop attracted 200 participants from diverse backgrounds. Professor Widom’s sessions not only delved into cutting-edge data science techniques but also inspired a new generation of analysts and data enthusiasts. This event was another step in DLSU’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge with real-world applications.
Prof. Widom’s Instructional Odyssey is a global initiative that offers free short courses to students and professionals worldwide. It began during her academic sabbatical when she visited 15 countries. After six months, she was appointed Dean of Stanford University’s School of Engineering, yet she continues with her teaching journeys, visiting three to four countries a year. Even during the pandemic, Prof. Widom adapted by hosting virtual sessions through Zoom. In fact, her previous visit to DLSU took place online.
In 2024, Prof. Wisdom visited Bangladesh and the Philippines, with Indonesia as her next stop.
Her recent workshop in the Philippines drew 200 attendees, including undergraduates, students from other universities, industry professionals, and faculty members. Across the four days, she delivered lectures and interactive sessions focused on essential data science skills.
On the first day, Prof. Widom focused on Google Sheets, emphasizing its role in data analysis and visualization. She covered key functions like Pivot Tables, Filters, and techniques for effective spreadsheet management. She also highlighted the importance of clear and ethical data visualization, warning against common pitfalls such as exaggerating data with improper graphs.
On the second day, the workshop shifted to Tableau for more advanced data visualization. Participants built on the concepts learned in Google Sheets, creating interactive dashboards and learning how to share them. Prof. Widom encouraged the participants to explore Tableau further, noting that the lectures were only scratching the surface of its capabilities. The day concluded with a session on SQL and relational databases, covering SQL queries and using CSV files.
Day three, the programming-heavy session, introduced Python and its data analysis and visualization libraries. Prof. Widom walked the participants through Python basics and the pandas library, all taught via Google Collab. She then touched on machine learning concepts such as regression, classification, and clustering, with their practical applications using Python and pandas.
On the final day, Prof. Widom tied all the topics discussed throughout the workshop, diving into data mining, network analysis, correlation, and causation.
Prof. Widom’s workshop not only provided participants with a solid foundation in data science but also offered a broader perspective on its real-world applications. One aspiring software engineer praised the engaging, hands-on activities, noting how gamified tasks made learning enjoyable. They added, “Data analysis—whether through code, spreadsheets, or graphics—is a crucial part of software development.”
An aspiring data scientist echoed these sentiments: “Even though the workshop was short, it was a great introduction to what my future might look like.” Another participant, an aspiring academic, appreciated the fresh perspective on topics like data mining and network analysis. They emphasized the importance of ethical data handling, especially for research-focused institutions like DLSU: “One thing that stuck with me was Prof. Widom showing us the biased bar charts. It is not only important for CS students to attend the workshop to learn about Python and stuff like that. It was also important to learn how to actually, properly, and correctly, and, I guess, ethically, handle data to avoid misinformation.”
Prof. Widom’s Instructional Odyssey at DLSU provided invaluable skills and knowledge to a wide range of participants. By seamlessly blending theory and practical application, the workshop has set the stage for attendees to explore the depths of data science on their own. The enthusiasm shared by the participants reflects the workshop’s effectiveness in fostering a deeper understanding of the field.
DLSU remains committed to promoting high-level education and innovation through future workshops like Prof. Widom’s. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and workshops as we continue to explore the evolving landscape of computer science and technology. Follow us on our Facebook page and website for the latest news.
Article by Zhean Robby Ganituen.
Photos by Gabrielle Mae Arco and Rhyan Taruc.
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