What is an Educational Data Scientist?

Technical Note: "Udacity" links: In this post there are links to several clips from some of the courses found on udacity.com. In order, to access the material found in these clips you will need to register for a free udacity learning account and select the blue button labeled "access course materials". Once you have completed this option you should be able to view the referenced clip in you browser window 

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When I am asked what I am going to school for I typically say "Educational Data Science". This answer often elicits a range of responses. Anything from "oh my, you must be smart", to "why", to "where does one study for that." So I think it would be a good idea to re-start this blog with my understanding of what it might someday mean to be an "Educational Data Analyst" and why I believe this is a good path for me.

In a Udacity course called Intro to Data Science I came across this explanation of what a Data Scientist is. And since I have used this explanation/definition for my own learning odyssey I would like to share this clip with my readers : What is a Data Scientist? In order to view the explanation of what a data scientist is you will 1st need to write and submit your own definition of a data scientist and then select the "continue to answer" button.
Note: If you are having difficulty accessing the referenced clip please see my Technical Note at the top of this post for additional instruction.

 Now I understand many of you out there may have a different definition of what it entails to be a Data Scientist and I encourage you to share your definition in the comments below this post. However, the field of Educational Data Science is relatively new, and because of this, I believe it is important to define my vision of an Educational Data Scientist and a Educational Data Analyst before going forward.

Finally, no matter whether or not we agree what in means to be a Data Scientist, I have chosen to use this concise yet comprehensive explanation as a general model for my own learning odyssey.



Writing Disclaimer

Technical Note for viewing the Udacity clips referenced in this post.