Add an External Dataset – iSAMS Support Centre SANDBOX

Stage 1: Add External Data

External Datasets pull in data from external sources, such as an Excel spreadsheet of exam results. External data must be imported into the External Data tab in the Tracking Manager Module before it can be compiled in a Tracking Model.

The Element Wizard guides you through the procedures required to add Reporting Datasets. The buttons and screens displayed in the Element Wizard vary slightly according to whether you are running a Cohort Tracking Model (to view results for a group of students) or a Student Tracking Model (to view results for individual students).

To add an External Dataset to your Tracking Model, follow the steps below:

1. Select the Manage Models tab and double click on the Tracking Folder containing the Tracking Model you want to work with.

2. Double click on your selected Tracking Model.

The Run Models screen is displayed for your selected Tracking Model.

3. Either:

Select from the Add & Create Datasets menu in the Models Sidebar. This takes you to straight to Stage 2 of the Element Wizard.
or
Use and select Add Dataset Element from the drop down list.
or
Click in the Models Sidebar.

Stage 1 of the Element Wizard is displayed. An example is shown below:

4. Select External Data and click Next to go to Stage 2 of the Element Wizard.

You can only select one type of Dataset Element at a time, choose to add more types of Dataset Elements later if required.

Stage 2: Add External Data

Use Stage 2 of the Element Wizard to select the External Datasets you want to include in your Tracking Model.

An example of the Stage 2 of the Element Wizard is shown below:

1. Complete the fields in the External Data Elements section to display a list of External Datasets:

Field	Explanation
External Data Import	Select the external data that you want to monitor in your Tracking Model. Click and hold Ctrl to make multiple selections.
External Data Subject	Select the subject that you want to monitor in your Tracking Model. Click and hold Ctrl to make multiple selections.

2. Use to select the External Datasets you want to display, if required. This is useful if you have a high volume of data on display.

3. Click in an External Dataset to view the data it contains, if required.

An example of the View Results window is shown below:

4. Select the External Datasets that you want to include in your Tracking Model. Add External Datasets one at a time if you are running a Student Tracking Model. Adding multiple External Datasets at the same time in a Student Tracking Model creates cells containing multiple values.

Either:

Click in the View Results window.
or
Use the check boxes on the left of each External Dataset listed in the Element Wizard.
or
Select all of the External Datasets listed by checking the box available in the header row displayed:

5. Click Next to display Stage 3 of the Element Wizard.

Stage 3-4: Add External Data

Use Stage 3 of the Element Wizard to adjust the details of the columns displaying External Datasets. Your selections influence the display of External Datasets columns in your Tracking Model. Default settings are in place for your External Datasets columns, adjusting the details is optional.

Choose to skip Stage 3 of the Element Wizard to leave the default settings unchanged when you are running Cohort Tracking Models.

An example of Stage 3 of the Element Wizard is shown below:

Each External Dataset you select in Stage 2 of the Element Wizard is displayed in the top of the window.

1. Either:

For Cohort Tracking Models, click on the name of a External Dataset to adjust the column details.
Each External Dataset you select in Stage 2 of the Element Wizard is displayed in the top of the window. Your selected External Dataset is highlighted green:

For Student Tracking Models, select a Grouping Option for the External Dataset:

Select an existing group option and choose an existing column from your Tracking Model. The External Dataset is listed in the column you select. If the External Dataset refers to a new subject an additional row is created in your Tracking Model. Click Next and Finish to display your Tracking Model.
Select a new grouping option to create a new column in your Tracking Model. The External Dataset is listed in the column you create. If the External Dataset refers to a new subject an additional row is created in your Tracking Model.

2. Select the Column Display tab and alter the sections displayed, if required:

Section

Explanation

Characteristic Properties

Element Name. Change the name used to describe the External Dataset column. Ensure that it is still easily identifiable.

Element Code. Change the code used to identify the External Dataset column. Use a more concise term if required, this is displayed in your Tracking Model.

Element Active. Select Yes to start using the External Dataset column. Active External Datasets columns are identified by the icon in the Manage Dataset Elements window. Selecting No makes the External Dataset column inactive and you are unable to use it.

Characteristic Options

Hidden Element. Choose to hide the External Dataset column if you do not want it to display in your Tracking Model. Your selection influences the display of the External Dataset column only. The data in a hidden External Dataset column is still active. Visible External Dataset columns are identified by the icon in the Manage Dataset Elements window.

Element Sorting. Select an appropriate method of sorting the results displayed in the External Dataset column. For example, for numerical effort grades choose to sort by number.

Use if you need to add a new Sorting Object. See Using the Sorting Wizard for more information on creating a new Sorting Object.

Element Style. Select a style to apply to the results displayed. For example, apply a style for effort grades which colour codes effort grades according to their value. This makes your Tracking Model easier to read 'at-a-glance'.

Use if you need to add a new Tracking Style. See Stage 1: Style Wizard for more information on creating a new Tracking Style.

3. Select the Column Adjustments tab and alter the sections displayed, if required:

Section	Explanation
Column Adjustments	Select either: Gradeset Column. Select to apply a Gradeset Object, where appropriate, to translate varying numerical values into easily identifiable grades. For example, translate percentage score exam results into grades A-E. Use this to display common values in the columns of your Tracking Model, making it easier to read 'at-a-glance'. Use if you need to add a new Gradeset Object. See Using the Gradeset Wizard for more information on creating a new Gradeset Object. or Transpose Column. Select to apply a Transpose Object, where appropriate, to change the format of the values displayed. For example, transpose numerical effort grades into grades A-E. Use this to display common values in the columns of your Tracking Model, making it easier to read 'at-a-glance'. Use if you need to add a new Transpose Object. See Using the Transpose Wizard for more information on creating a new Transpose Object.
Column Format	Select the type of data you are displaying, for example text data or numerical data. Adjust the decimal places, if applicable.
Column Values	Add a Column Prefix or Column Suffix, where appropriate. For example, use this to display '%' in percentage score exam results to clarify the data displayed in your Tracking Model.

4. Select the Column Options tab. Use the check boxes to display statistics for the External Dataset column in your Tracking Model. This provides useful 'at-a-glance' statistics.

5. Continue to work through all the External Datasets you have selected for your Tracking Model. Click on the name of each External Dataset at the top of the window. Work through the tabs available to adjust the column details, where required.

6. Click Next once you have completed the adjustments for all your External Datasets. A window is displayed prompting you that the Element Wizard is complete.

7. Click Finish to display your Tracking Model.

8. Click .

Your External Datasets are listed in the columns of your Tracking Model. An example is shown below:

You are now ready to add more Dataset Elements, as required.