How to Create a Dataset in a Sharepoint List Learn how to create structured datasets in SharePoint for better reporting. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin shows how to build a Near Miss reporting list from scratch—turning safety requirements into a clean, organized data structure. Starting with key fields like Reporter, Event Date, Project…
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Learn how to design user interfaces for better data entry. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin shows how to translate data requirements into simple, effective UI mockups. Starting with a volunteer signup form, you’ll see how to think through fields, dropdowns, and workflows—even using basic tools like PowerPoint. The goal isn’t to make something…
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Discover how to turn messy text data into clear, powerful visuals in seconds. Pivot tables are powerful for counts and summaries—but they fall short when you need a true schedule. In this Data Survival Skills session, you’ll see how Excel’s Power Query Pivot Column can instantly transform your data for faster insights—and why this technique…
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Learn how to test your data before design problems get too big. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin demonstrates how to use Power Query to connect and test datasets before moving forward with design. Using Explore California’s agenda and volunteer data, you’ll see how to merge queries, apply joins, and quickly spot inconsistencies—like volunteers…
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Learn how to design smarter forms that keep your data clean and usable. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin demonstrates how to build forms in Microsoft Access that guide data entry and protect against errors. Starting with an events database, you’ll see how to create forms that connect volunteers, events, and partners—even when no…
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Learn how to strengthen your database design with testing and referential integrity. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin shows why every database—no matter how small the budget—needs testing at each stage. Using a volunteer management system as the example, you’ll see how to set up relational tables for partners, events, and volunteers, and then…
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Learn how to define a clear nomenclature to make your data instantly more readable and actionable. Data can be confusing when key identifiers aren’t meaningful—but a structured naming system changes that. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin walks through creating a nomenclature for property data, showing how to abbreviate cities, merge IDs, and build…
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Learn how to uncover deeper insights by analyzing subgroups in your data. Demographics aren’t the only way to slice a dataset—sometimes the most meaningful patterns appear in behavioral subgroups. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin shows how to clean and restructure survey responses to highlight groups based on how they receive data: direct access,…
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Learn how to fix messy text data with a simple control table in Power Query. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin demonstrates how to take inconsistent survey responses—like multiple spellings of the same tour name—and map them to one clean, official list. By walking through step-by-step examples, she shows how to remove duplicates, create…
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Learn how to compare uneven group sizes with PivotTables and charts in Excel. Not all data sets are balanced—sometimes one subgroup is much larger than another. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin shows how to analyze analysts vs. non-analysts by building PivotTables and transforming the results into 100% stacked charts. By restructuring the data,…
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