new course: pma-intro

_posts/2021-08-07-pma-intro/pma-intro.Rmd

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+---
+title: "New Online Course: Introduction to IPUMS PMA Data Analysis"
+description: |
+  Explore IPUMS PMA data with R right in your browser, or download Stata code for offline practice
+date: 08-07-2021
+output:
+  distill::distill_article:
+    self_contained: false
+preview: ../../images/new_course.png
+categories:
+  - Online Courses
+  - learnr
+  - Stata
+  - Qualtrics
+---
+
+Today, we're proud to announce the launch of a brand new feature on the IPUMS PMA Data Analysis Hub: our very first online course! 
+
+Whether you're a beginner-level data analyst exploring statistical software for the first time, or if you're a more advanced analyst looking for a guided tour of IPUMS PMA data, we think our new [Introduction to IPUMS PMA Data Analysis](../../introduction.html) is a great place to start. Over time, we'll add courses on more advanced topics in the new **Courses** menu in the navigation bar at the top of your screen.
+
+<aside>
+```{r, echo=F}
+htmltools::a(
+  href = "../../introduction.html",
+  htmltools::img(src = "../../images/new_course.png")
+)
+```
+[Click here](../../introduction.html) to get started
+</aside>
+
+We expect most people will probably need **about an hour** to complete the Introduction course, but you're welcome to work at your own pace. You can also leave and resume your progress at any time. 
+
+Upon completion, we offer a **downloadable certificate** signed by the IPUMS PMA team, plus a script containing all of the code you mastered during the course. 
+
+# Requirements 
+
+IPUMS PMA data are **free** to use, and all of our online courses will be free, as well. To get started, you just need to [register](https://pma.ipums.org/pma/register.shtml) and agree to our Terms of Use. 
+
+We've created exercises for **both R and Stata users**, so you'll need to choose a preferred language at the start of each course. 
+
+  * R users: you'll find an embedded R console where you can practice coding exercises **right in your browser**. We've pre-installed all of the packages necessary to complete each exercise, and you'll receive **interactive feedback** to help you identify any mistakes along the way. 
+  * Stata users: you'll need access to a copy of the Stata program. We'll provide example code that you'll run **offline**, and you'll need to use the output from Stata to answer multiple choice questions in our "guided practice" section. 
+
+<aside>
+We're able to offer interactive practice and feedback to R users thanks to the amazing [learnr](https://rstudio.github.io/learnr/) and [gradethis](https://github.com/rstudio/gradethis) packages for R. 
+</aside>
+
+IPUMS PMA courses are hosted by [Qualtrics](https://www.qualtrics.com/), so you **may need to deactive your browser's ad blocker** in order see course content. If you have any difficulties, please [contact us](mailto:[email protected])!