Comparing Distance Learning Platforms for Statistics Courses

• Activity Number: 373
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 : 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Computing
• Author(s): Seth Hirshorn*+
• Companies: University of Michigan at Dearborn
• Keywords: Distance Learning ; Statistics Courses ; Blackboard ; C-tools ; Software Platforms

Abstract

The workshop will focus on experiences using a variety of online platforms instructing Statistics Courses. The discussion will be focused on the results of an instructor survey at the University of Michigan to assess experiences using c-tools, VLT, Blackboard and other platforms. Some of the questions that will be addressed are: Reactions to a recent Department of Education study of online post secondary instruction will be discussed. The study indicated: Providing further evidence of the tremendous opportunity to use technology to improve teaching and learning, the U.S. Department of Education today released an analysis of controlled studies comparing online and face-to-face instruction. The analysis also showed that the instruction conducted wholly on line was more effective in improving student achievement than the purely face to face instruction. In addition, the report noted that the blended conditions often included additional learning time and instructional elements not received by students in control conditions. What are the special requirements of Statistics courses and the concomitant capabilities (or lack thereof) of the instructional platforms used.