Abstract:

This paper presents the design and initial implementation of a technology-supported approach to teaching Data Science in a fully online master’s course within a distance learning program. The material is intended for first-semester students with diverse backgrounds and aims to facilitate the development of data science competencies despite the complexity of authentic tasks.

To this end, we integrate the Data Science Process Model (DASC-PM) and the Four-Component Instructional Design (4C/ID) model. The DASC-PM defines competency goals, and the 4C/ID model guides the design of structured learning tasks. The material has been implemented in an integrated digital learning environment that combines Moodle and Jupyter Notebooks, enabling seamless interaction among instructional content, code execution, and guided activities.

The project we implemented analyses a dataset of credit card transactions available as open data, with the aim of developing, through a series of process steps, a method for detecting fraudulent transactions.

The current version of the material emphasises tasks of moderate complexity combined with high levels of instructional support, including pre-structured notebooks, embedded instructions, and scaffolded Python workflows. The environment is designed to reduce cognitive load while allowing students to engage with a realistic Data Science process. Since we are in the early stages of evolving towards a fully integrated course, we currently use this material alongside the traditional online course materials.

As the course is currently in progress, we present our initial observations and early student feedback, focusing on how learners interact with the digital tools and support structures. This paper demonstrates how competency-oriented instructional design can be effectively operationalised through an integrated, technology-enhanced learning environment in data science education.

Keywords:

Data Science Education, Instructional Design, 4C/ID Model, Competency-Based Learning, Online Learning, Distance Education, Jupyter Notebooks, Project-Based Learning.