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Social Media Analytics

Using Data to Understand Public Conversations

Jean Burgess, Kim Osman, Axel Bruns, Tim Highfield, Ehsan Dehghan, Edward Hurcombe, and Silvia Montana

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is for anyone who wants to gain insight into social media analysis, develop a critical understanding of how digital media are used and gain skills using three digital tools. This course will allow learners without coding skills to access, analyse and visualise their own social media data.

Topics Covered

The role and structures of social media conversations
Methods for and implications of gathering data
Key metrics used for analysing Twitter
Methods for identifying trends in social data
The theory of social networks
Methods for creating and interpreting data visualisations

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Reviews summary

Social media analytics: introduction for non-coders

According to learners, Social Media Analytics: Using Data to Understand Public Conversations is a largely positive experience, particularly for those new to the field. Students say it provides a solid foundation in understanding social media conversations and analytics concepts. Many find the clear explanations and useful tools and demonstrations helpful, especially for non-coders. However, some reviewers feel the course lacks depth for intermediate learners and note that the tools and data can feel outdated, a potential concern for those seeking the latest techniques. Overall, it's seen as a strong introductory course but may require supplemental learning for advanced application.

Practical tool demos found helpful.

"Found the tool demonstrations very useful and practical."

"The practical part with tools was helpful..."

"The data visualization module was particularly good."

"I appreciated the practical examples and tool walkthroughs provided."

Concepts and theory are explained simply.

"Excellent course covering key concepts... explanations were clear."

"Explained complex ideas clearly."

"The network analysis concepts were well explained."

"I found the concepts to be presented in a very understandable way."

Provides a strong intro for newcomers to analytics.

"Really enjoyed this course. It gave me a solid foundation for understanding public conversations online."

"Fantastic introductory course! It demystifies social media data analysis for non-programmers."

"Useful course for beginners. Explained complex ideas clearly. ... a good starting point."

"I feel I have gained a solid foundation in social media analytics after taking this course."

Challenges with assignments or support noted.

"I struggled with some of the assignments and wished there was more support. Forum wasn't very active."

May be too basic for experienced learners.

"Decent introduction. Covers the basics but doesn't go into much depth."

"The course is okay, but it's quite basic. If you already know a bit... this might be too elementary."

"Provides a good starting point but you'll need more advanced courses for deeper skills."

Tools and data used may not be current.

"Disappointed... The tools used felt outdated, and the data provided was not current."

"Outdated information and tools. The course needs a major update."

"Some data sets seemed a little old."

"I expected more practical, hands-on exercises using current platforms."

Career center

Learners who complete Social Media Analytics: Using Data to Understand Public Conversations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Social Media Analytics: Using Data to Understand Public Conversations.

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information...

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This classic book by Edward Tufte must-read for anyone interested in data visualization. It covers a wide range of topics, from the principles of visual perception to the design of effective charts and graphs.

Social Media Analytics

Topics Covered

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Social media analytics: introduction for non-coders

Career center

Reading list

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