January 31, 2017 - Getting Started with R

To get started with the labs, you will need to install R and other supporting applications. Links to download all the software is on the Software page at http://data606.net/software which is available on the Misc menu. Once you are in RStudio, you will need to install a number of R packages using the following two commands:

install.packages(c('openintro','OIdata','devtools','ggplot2','psych','reshape2',
				   'knitr','markdown','shiny'))
devtools::install_github("jbryer/DATA606")

Note that this course used to be listed as IS 606, hence the different package name. The library command will load the package and the startLab function will:

  1. Create a folder called Lab0 in the current working directory.
  2. Open the the RMarkdown file (note that the name should have your login name).
library(DATA606)
startLab('Lab0')

Note the Lab0 directory has been created.

RStudio Files Panel

If you click Lab0 that will take you into that folder where you will see the RMardkown file (.Rmd extension) along with all the supporting files. Under the More menu there is an option to Set As Working Directory, you will want to do this before working in the RMarkdown file.

Setting Working Directory

The console pane will always tell you what your current working directory is. Clicking the arrow icon will open that folder in the Files tab on the right. R will look for files and directories that do not have absolute paths (i.e. starting with C: on windows or / on Linux and Macs) relative to the working directory.

Working Directory

January 30, 2017 - Welcome to DATA606!

Welcome to DATA606! My name is Dr. Jason Bryer and I will be your instructor for this semester. In addition to teaching this course, I am an Executive Director at Excelsior College where I am currently working on a Department of Education grant to develop a Diagnostic Assessment and Achievement of College Skills (see www.DAACS.net for more information). I will record an introductory video this weekend. Couple of important notes as you get started:

  • The course syllabus is on Github here: data606.net I will post all course materials there. Blackboard will be used primarily for communicating with one another vis-à-vis the discussion boards and to submit assignments.
  • Introduce yourself in the Getting Acquainted forum on Blackboard.
  • Once you go through the syllabus, try starting Lab 0 as soon as you can. This will require you to install R and RStudioand will help get you get acquainted with R.
  • The best way to reach me is by email at jason.bryer@gmail.com. If you would prefer to talk on the phone or setup a GoToMeeting session, it is best to suggest some times by email first.
  • Our meetups will be on Thursdays from 8pm to 9pm.
  • I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and a fantastic semester! Good luck!