Stats Interactives is a suite of statistics-based simulations that students can learn statistical concepts through play and interaction. As students explore various concepts the interactions can come in the form, of experimenting with different values for variables, identifying different positions on graphs, identifying changes to observations and sample sets, and calibrating values to match a specific data set. By using seed values, each student can receive a unique data set to work with that is different from their peers. This allows instructors to give homework problems out where each student obtains a different set of answers.
The tool and its use was proposed by Professor Doru Cojoc for his Quantitative Analysis at Columbia's School for International and Public Affairs. After being awarded a grant from Columbia's Office of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, he worked with my team from the Center for Teaching and Learning to design, develop, implement, and assess the impact of the application.
By using the tools students will be able to…
understand the theoretical foundation of different statistical methods that are instrumental to data analysis.
build connections between data analysis and associated real-world contexts to develop statistical inferences.
identify that statistical outcomes are simply just one of many other possibilities.
visualize complex theoretical results so that they can critically assess casual claims and leverage data toward social good.
As the learning designer on this project I accomplished the following:
Incorporating feedback loop and microworld frameworks into the interaction and learning design of the simulations.
Consulted with the instructor to develop online activities to go along with the use of the tool in class.
Designed and implemented the quality assurance process and documentation for the application.
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Chance, B., & Rossman, A. (2006, July). Using simulation to teach and learn statistics. In Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Teaching Statistics (pp. 1-6). Voorburg, The Netherlands: International Statistical Institute.
Jamie, D. M. (2002). Using computer simulation methods to teach statistics: A review of the literature. Journal of Statistics Education, 10(1).
Lane, D. M., & Peres, S. C. (2006, July). Interactive simulations in the teaching of statistics: Promise and pitfalls. In Proceedings of the seventh international conference on teaching statistics. International Statistical Institute Voorburg, The Netherlands.
Mills, J. D. (2004). Learning Abstract Statistics Concepts Using Simulation. Educational Research Quarterly, 28(4), 18-33.