As the Department of Sociology, we continue to provide training programs aligned with the requirements of the digital age in the fields of data literacy and contemporary analysis techniques. Within this scope, our four-week training program titled “Data, Data Structures, Database and PowerBI”, conducted by data specialist Hakan Türkoğlu from the Department of Information Management Systems and Statistics at the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, has been successfully completed.
The training was held on April 12, April 19, May 3, and May 10, 2025, every Saturday between 10:00–15:00 in the MAYEM Computer Lab (Seda Erorhan Lab.). Throughout the program, students engaged with both theoretical and practical content.
In the first two weeks, participants discussed data types, structures, and preprocessing methods, followed by hands-on sessions on building and managing basic databases using the open-source system PostgreSQL. In the third and fourth weeks, students worked with PowerBI software to learn data visualization techniques, practiced retrieving data from SQL databases using PowerBI, and explored fundamental concepts related to big data. When needed, they also discussed AI-assisted coding and code structures.
The program covered a wide range—from theoretical discussions on the nature of data to database creation and visualization tools—providing students with essential digital skills that are increasingly in demand in both the public and private sectors.
Students who attended the full training program were awarded e-Government approved certificates issued by our university.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this valuable program.
First and foremost, we thank our Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Münire Kevser Baş for her ongoing support, and our Department Chair Prof. Dr. Sutay Yavuz for making this opportunity possible and standing by us both financially and morally.
We are also grateful to our research assistant Ozan Çetiner, who coordinated the training from start to finish.
A special thanks goes to Hakan Türkoğlu for generously sharing his time and expertise with us.
We believe that events like this, which aim to enhance the power of sociological analysis in the age of data, will make significant contributions to our students’ critical thinking, quantitative research, and analytical reasoning skills.
