Suggesting new structure of episodes

[katrintirok]

Suggesting changes to structure of episodes for a better flow of the lesson and a closer connection to the R lesson:

1. starting-with-data episode: take out the summary statistics part and add instead the subsetting-slicing into this episode; add part on dates and datetime objects in python and pandas (see pull request #258); add section on NaN values
2. remove subsetting-slicing episode
3. remove data-types-formats episode (merged into intro-to-python - #257, starting-with-data, and manipulating-dataframes)
4. add session manipulating-dataframes: should contain summary statistics from starting-with-data episode, mutating variables, reshaping data frames, exporting data frames to csv from datatypes-formats episode, maybe also joining with combining-dataframes session

[kasbkoz]

I think it is a great idea:

1. It will be helpful to novice learners in both Python and R.

Learners can try data analysis using both languages with both lessons and be able to see the differences/similarities between the code and assess which one might be more useful to them and suitable for their data.

2. It will be helpful to learners with working knowledge of one language who are novice learners in the other one – Python or R.

Learners who already have experience with either of the languages (i.e. from a lesson they previously completed) will be able to more easily transfer and map the concepts they have already learnt. Learning will be enhanced by solving a problem in a similar manner using an alternative programming language and having a reference to the method they already know.

[tobyhodges]

@datacarpentry/curriculum-advisors-ecology I had to close #260 in preparation for the lesson infrastructure transition. However, I think the discussion in this issue and the changes suggested in that PR may still be relevant - please could you review and, if you think it is appropriate, discuss this in your next meeting?

Please post back here, whether you recommend pursuing a restructuring of episodes in this lesson, or instead recommend closing the issue.

[MikeTrizna]

We spoke about this issue at the July 2023 Data Carpentry Ecology CAC meeting, and decided that we should wait until we review feedback on the new structure of the Beta R Ecology lesson (https://carpentries.org/blog/2023/07/r-ecology-alt-beta/).