Schlagwort: English language

How to Use Copilot in Excel: Mastering Excel with M365 Copilot – Data Analysis Tutorial

How to Use Copilot in Excel: A screenshot from an Excel Copilot demo showing various charts and graphs analyzing donor data. The interface includes a Copilot preview pane suggesting insights, and a video overlay of a presenter explaining the data. Graphs display information such as winter donations by date, donation amounts by last name, age distribution by gender and membership status, and occupation impact on donation behavior.
How to Use Copilot in Excel: Screenshot of the Excel Copilot video on Youtube analyzing donor data with graphs and insights.

Welcome to our deep dive into donor data with Excel Copilot! We will explore insights from our donor dataset to understand donor behavior, campaign effectiveness, and seasonal trends. Let’s learn how to use Copilot in Excel and dive into the data to see what stories it tells us.

How to Use Copilot in Excel with Copilot Prompts

To begin, look for the Copilot icon in the upper right corner. Copilot suggests actions such as „show data insights“, which we’ll select. Then select „+ Add to new sheet.“

Visual Enhancement

To make our data more engaging, let’s add a colorful icon next to donors whose donation amount exceeds $100. This visual cue will help us quickly identify high-value donors.

Excel Copilot Prompt: Add a colorful icon if Donation_Amount is more than 100.

Days Since Last Donation

Next, we’ll calculate the number of days since each donor’s last donation. This will help us identify recent donors versus those who haven’t donated in a while.

Excel Copilot Prompt: Calculate the number of days since each donor’s last donation and add this as a new column.
Action Step: Insert Column

Campaign Effectiveness

Let’s analyze how different communication methods, such as email and phone, impact donation amounts. We will identify which method is most effective for different donor segments.

Excel Copilot Prompt: Analyze the effectiveness of different communication methods (email, phone) on donation amounts. Identify which method is most effective for different donor segments.

Occupation Impact

Let’s examine the impact of donor occupations on their donation behavior. We’ll look at donation amounts and frequencies across various occupations to see which ones are associated with the highest donations.

Excel Copilot Prompt: Examine how a donor’s occupation affects their donation behavior, including donation amount and frequency. Identify which occupations are associated with the highest donations.

Lifetime Value (LTV)

Next, we will compute the lifetime value of each donor, which is the total amount donated over time. This will give us a sense of each donor’s value to our organization.

Excel Copilot Prompt: Compute the lifetime value (total donations over time) for each donor and add it as a new column.
Action Step: Insert Column

We’ll identify seasonal trends in donations by calculating the total donations for each donor during different seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. These insights will help us tailor our campaigns to seasonal patterns.

Excel Copilot Prompt: Identify seasonal trends by calculating the total donations for each donor during different seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) and add these as new columns.
Action Step: Insert Columns

Conclusion

By analyzing these aspects of our donor data, we gain valuable insights into donor behavior, campaign effectiveness, and seasonal trends. This information will empower us to make informed decisions and enhance our fundraising strategies. Thank you for joining me in this data exploration. Let’s open the floor for any questions or further discussion!

How to Use Copilot in Excel: Watch the Full Video

Watch the full Excel Copilot Tutorial on YouTube or on LinkedIn:

Download the Dataset

Get the dataset used in this Excel Copilot tutorial: Download Donors.xlsx Dataset

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful demos and data-driven strategies! If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of AI, check out my book Decisively Digital (Amazon).

Happy data exploring! Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to leave your questions or comments on LinkedIn:

„How to Use Copilot in Excel: Mastering Excel with M365 Copilot – Data Analysis Tutorial“ weiterlesen

#datamustread: Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics (2nd Edition) by Nathan Yau

A bookshelf neatly arranged with several books on data visualization and analytics: Displayed in the center is the 2nd edition of "Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics" by Nathan Yau. Surrounding this book are various other titles, including those by the Alexander Loth: "Decisively Digital", "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Power BI", "Visual Analytics with Tableau", "Datenvisualisierung mit Tableau", "Datenvisualisierung mit Power BI", and "KI für Content Creation." Other visible titles include "Rewired" and "Self-Service BI & Analytics." The arrangement highlights a strong focus on data visualization, analytics, and AI.
The 2nd edition of Visualize This by Nathan Yau, surrounded by several influential data and AI books, including my own works like Decisively Digital and Teach Yourself Visually Power BI.

While my latest book, KI für Content Creation, has just been reviewed by the renowned c’t magazine, I’m happy to continue reviewing books myself. Today, I’m reviewing the just-released second edition of a cornerstone of the data visualization community, Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics by Nathan Yau.

Visualize This: A Deep Dive into Data Visualization

Nathan Yau’s Visualize This has long been a staple for data enthusiasts, and the updated second edition brings fresh techniques, technologies, and examples that reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of data visualization.

Core Highlights of This Book

Data-First Approach: Yau emphasizes that effective visualizations start with a deep understanding of the data. This foundational principle ensures that the resulting graphics are not just visually appealing but also accurately convey the underlying information.

Diverse Toolkit: The book introduces a wide range of tools, including the latest R packages, Python libraries, JavaScript libraries, and illustration software. Yau’s pragmatic approach helps readers choose the right tool for the job without feeling overwhelmed by options.

Real-World Applications: With practical, hands-on examples using real-world datasets, readers learn to create meaningful visualizations. This experiential learning approach is particularly valuable for grasping the subtleties of data representation.

Comprehensive Tutorials: The step-by-step guides are a standout feature, covering statistical graphics, geographical maps, and information design. These tutorials provide clear, actionable instructions that make complex visualizations accessible.

Web and Print Design: Yau details how to create visuals suitable for various mediums, ensuring versatility in application whether for digital platforms or printed materials.

Personal Insights on Visualize This

Having taught data strategy and visualization for seven years, I find Visualize This to be an exceptional resource for a broad audience. Yau skillfully integrates scientific data visualization techniques with graphic design principles, providing practical advice along the way. The book’s toolkit is extensive, featuring R, Illustrator, XML, Python (with BeautifulSoup), JSON, and more, each with working code examples to demonstrate real-world applications.

The image shows an open page from the second edition of "Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics" by Nathan Yau. The page, from Chapter 5 titled "Visualizing Categories," features a colorful visualization titled "Cycle of Many," which depicts a 24-hour snapshot of daily activities based on data from the American Time Use Survey. This visual highlights how categories change over time and demonstrates the book's practical approach to data visualization.
Visualize This featuring a colorful 24-hour activity visualization based on data from the American Time Use Survey.

Even though I read the first edition years ago, I couldn’t put the second edition down all weekend. This book is a must-read for anyone who handles data or prepares data-based reports. Its beautiful presentation and careful consideration of every aspect—from typeface to page layout—make it a pleasure to read.

The book is user-friendly, offering a massive set of references and free tools for obtaining interesting datasets across various fields, from sports to politics to health. This breadth of resources is crucial for anyone looking to create impactful visualizations across different domains.

While the focus on Adobe Illustrator might be daunting due to its cost and learning curve, Yau’s examples show how Illustrator can enhance graphics created in other tools like SAS and R. I personally prefer the open-source Inkscape, but Yau’s insights helped me overcome my initial reluctance to use Illustrator, leading to more polished and professional visuals.

Yau uses R, Python, and Adobe Illustrator to demonstrate what can be achieved with imagination and creativity. Although some readers might desire more complex walkthroughs from raw data to final graphics, such material would require substantial foundational knowledge in R and Python. Including this would make the book significantly thicker and veer off from its focus on creating visually appealing graphics.

Conclusion: Visualize This is Essential Reading for Data Professionals

Visualize This (Amazon) is an indispensable guide for anyone serious about data visualization. Its methodical, data-first approach, combined with practical tutorials and a comprehensive toolkit, makes it a must-read for information designers, analysts, journalists, statisticians, and data scientists.

For those looking to refine their data visualization skills and create compelling, accurate graphics, this book offers invaluable insights and techniques.

Connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter for more reviews and insights on the latest in data & AI, and #datamustread:

„#datamustread: Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics (2nd Edition) by Nathan Yau“ weiterlesen

How to Spot Fake News This Election: Test Your Detection Skills

Fake news is a powerful tool used to mislead the public, often with significant consequences. As technology advances, the ability to create convincing, yet entirely false, information has grown, making it increasingly challenging to distinguish fact from fiction.

🔗 Test your skills with our Real or Fake quiz!

What is Fake News?

How to spot fake news: this photo is a deepfake.
How to spot fake news: this photo is a deepfake.

Fake news refers to deliberately false or misleading information presented as news. This includes fabricated stories, doctored images, or videos designed to deceive. Unlike misinformation, which is incorrect information shared without intent to deceive, fake news is specifically crafted to manipulate public perception. Learning how to spot fake news is crucial, especially during elections when the stakes are highest, and misleading information can influence voter decisions or create confusion about crucial issues.

🔗 Read the related research paper Blessing or curse? A survey on the Impact of Generative AI on Fake News, and contribute to our JudgeGPT GitHub project.

How Might Fake News Be Used During Elections?

During election cycles, fake news can mislead voters in many ways, from false reports about candidates to fabricated scandals designed to sway public opinion. It can take the form of sensational headlines, altered images, or entirely fictitious stories that go viral. Understanding how to spot fake news can prevent the spread of false information that might otherwise mislead voters about where or how to vote, misrepresent candidates’ positions, or undermine trust in the electoral process.

How to Spot Fake News: Key Tips

In a world where AI can generate realistic content, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. Here’s how you can spot fake news and help combat its spread:

  1. Check Your Sources: Verify that the information you’re consuming comes from reputable, trusted news outlets or official election authorities. Be skeptical of sensational headlines or stories that seem too outrageous to be true.
  2. Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed: Before sharing political content, take the time to fact-check. Rushing to share news can lead to the spread of fake information. Ensuring accuracy before sharing is a key step in how to spot fake news.
  3. Report Suspected Fake News: Many social media platforms now allow users to flag suspicious content. If you encounter a story, image, or video that you suspect might be fake, report it to help prevent the spread of false information.
  4. Stay Media Literate: As tactics for creating fake news evolve, so too must your skills in media literacy. Continuously educating yourself about new forms of disinformation and fact-checking techniques is essential in how to spot fake news effectively.

Why Is Learning How to Spot Fake News Important?

Fake news isn’t just an online nuisance; it’s a real threat to democracy. Misleading information can distort public discourse, undermine trust in elections, and even impact electoral outcomes. By understanding how to spot fake news, you contribute to a more informed and resilient society.

Test Your Fake News Detection Skills

Think you know how to spot fake news? Test your skills with our Real or Fake quiz. This quiz challenges you to distinguish between genuine information and AI-generated fabrications. It’s a fun and educational way to improve your ability to spot fake news and protect yourself from being misled.

Take the quiz today and share it with your friends. Together, we can help keep elections fair and informed!

German version of this blog post: Was sind Fake News? – Lass dich nicht täuschen!

Discovering Kunming: A Journey Through the City of Eternal Spring

Kunming street life bustling with local activity
A vibrant street in Kunming, Yunnan, China, showcasing the bustling local life with people walking, street vendors selling goods, and traditional architecture in the background. The scene captures the lively atmosphere and cultural richness of Kunming’s streets.

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in Southwest China, is often referred to as the „City of Eternal Spring“ for its mild climate and beautiful weather year-round. My recent trip to this vibrant city was an incredible adventure filled with stunning sights, rich cultural experiences, and mouth-watering cuisine. Join me as I take you through the highlights of my journey through Kunming.

Arrival and First Impressions

From the moment I arrived at Kunming Changshui International Airport, I was impressed by the efficiency and friendliness of the staff. Navigating through the airport was a breeze, thanks to clear signage and quick baggage transfer. The ride from the airport to the city center offered a glimpse of Kunming’s picturesque landscapes, setting the tone for an unforgettable visit.

Exploring Guandu Ancient Town

One of my first stops was Guandu Ancient Town, a historic area brimming with charm and character. Walking through its narrow streets lined with traditional Chinese architecture, I felt transported back in time. The town is a perfect blend of old and new, with ancient temples, vibrant markets, and quaint tea houses coexisting harmoniously.

A Stroll Through Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park, or Cuihu Park, is a must-visit in Kunming. This urban oasis is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. I spent a peaceful afternoon wandering around the lake, watching people practice tai chi, and admiring the beautiful lotus flowers. The park’s serene atmosphere is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Exploring Tai Hua Si Temple in Yunnan

During my adventure in Kunming, a visit to Tai Hua Si Temple was an unexpected delight that added a spiritual and cultural depth to my journey. Nestled on the western shore of Dianchi Lake and at the foot of the Western Hills, Tai Hua Si Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province.

As I approached the temple, the serene ambiance was immediately apparent. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering ancient trees, the temple complex exudes a sense of tranquility and calm. The air was filled with the faint scent of incense, and the gentle sound of chanting monks added to the peaceful atmosphere.

Tai Hua Si Temple, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), boasts a rich history that is reflected in its stunning architecture. The temple complex includes several halls and pavilions, each adorned with intricate carvings and detailed paintings. The main hall houses a magnificent statue of Buddha, while the surrounding halls contain various deities and historical relics.

Savoring Local Cuisine in Kunming

One of the highlights of my journey to Kunming was undoubtedly the exploration of its vibrant local cuisine. Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, boasts a unique culinary landscape that is both diverse and delicious, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and the abundance of fresh ingredients available in the region. Must-try dishes:

  1. Crossing the Bridge Noodles (过桥米线) A trip to Kunming is incomplete without trying the famous Crossing the Bridge Noodles. This iconic dish consists of a rich, steaming broth served with a variety of ingredients including thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and rice noodles. The unique aspect is that the ingredients are added to the hot broth at the table, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and fresh.
  2. Steam Pot Chicken (汽锅鸡) Another local favorite is Steam Pot Chicken. This dish is prepared using a special clay pot with a central chimney. The chicken is slow-cooked with herbs and spices, resulting in tender meat and a flavorful broth that is both comforting and nourishing.
  3. Erkuai (饵块) Erkuai is a traditional Yunnan rice cake made from glutinous rice. It can be served in various ways, such as stir-fried with vegetables and meats, or grilled and topped with savory or sweet condiments. Its chewy texture and versatility make it a beloved snack among locals and visitors alike.

Discovering Kunming Old Street

Kunming Old Street is another highlight of the city. The area is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern, with unique snacks, upscale vintage hotels, and vibrant street life. A notable stop was Xiongqi Yingxiang Hotpot, where the rich flavors and authentic ingredients made for a memorable meal.

Review: Perfect Retro Gaming on the Go

This photo shows the RG353V by ANBERNIC being used during a flight. The device is running the classic DOS game Digger. The compact size and bright 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen display make the RG353V an ideal companion for retro gaming on the go. Perfect for passing the time while traveling.
RG353V by ANBERNIC running the DOS game Digger.

During my trip, I discovered the RG353V by ANBERNIC – a small, handy retro gaming device that fits perfectly in the hand. It offers excellent picture quality thanks to its 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen and is perfect for passing the time during flights. The device can emulate numerous systems, including NES, SNES, N64, GBA, PS1, PSP, DOS, and even Dreamcast. With its RK3566 chip and 2 GB RAM, the RG353V provides enough power for smooth gameplay. The RG353V features two analog sticks, a precise D-pad, and well-placed action buttons. It is equipped with two SD card slots, a mini HDMI output, two USB-C ports, and a 3200 mAh battery that ensures long gaming sessions. The combination of portable size and high performance makes the RG353V the perfect companion for retro gaming on the go.

Final Thoughts and Further Reading

Kunming is truly a gem in China’s travel landscape. Its perfect blend of cultural heritage and modern vibrancy makes it a unique destination. I highly recommend adding Kunming to your travel bucket list – you won’t be disappointed!

If you’ve enjoyed reading about my journey, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more travel updates and photos from my adventures in Kunming and beyond. For deeper insights into China’s modern culture, I highly recommend the book Young China by Zak Dychtwald. It offers a fascinating look into the lives and perspectives of China’s youth today.

I hope this blog post inspires you to explore Kunming and experience all the amazing things this city has to offer. Happy travels!

Happy Holidays 2024 – A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Cartoonish Christmas illustration that features a festive and cheerful scene with elements like a Christmas tree, snow, AI.
Cartoonish Christmas illustration that features a festive and cheerful scene with elements like a Christmas tree, snow, AI.

🥳 2023 has been the year of Generative AI, marking an era of significant technological advancements. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the talented and passionate team at Microsoft. A huge thank you to all my colleagues, partners, and customers for their trust and fantastic collaboration throughout the year.

🤖 This year, we’ve seen remarkable milestones, including the launch of Copilot Studio. This easy-to-use IDE enables the creation of custom AI assistants – making AI accessible and functional! Imagine creating your own apps accessing all kinds of data without the need to write code!

🌎 Our memorable team events in Redmond, Dublin, and Munich will stay with me. Working with people who not only see AI as a value add but are intrinsically motivated to use it for global betterment has been incredibly inspiring.

🙏 Personally, my ongoing dedication to using AI to combat fake news has been particularly pertinent, especially in light of the upcoming US elections. Moreover, I’m thrilled to share that some of the AI/ethics ideas will flow into a book on AI, set to be published in a few weeks.

🚀 Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be the year of Proto AGI!

🫶 I wish everyone a peaceful holiday season filled with joy and a Happy New Year. I’m eagerly looking forward to the new opportunities and exciting events that 2024 will bring!

„Happy Holidays 2024 – A Time for Reflection and Renewal“ weiterlesen