Using Electronic Homework Systems in Introductory Statistics

• Activity Number: 189
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, August 5, 2013 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education
• Author(s): Roger Woodard*+
• Companies: NC State University

Abstract

For large courses the use of electronic homework systems (EHS's) is common place. These systems range from quizzing functions built into learning management systems, such as Blackboard or Moodle, to full feature commercial systems, such as Webassign. Most of these systems allow instantaneous grading of student answers, randomization of questions to prevent cheating, and other aspects that make them very attractive to instructors. The use of these types of systems continues to grow and is likely to be a central feedback mechanism for the large enrollment courses of the future. As these systems become ubiquitous, instructors need to carefully consider the pedagogy of their use. In this talk we present how we have implemented an EHS for our large enrollment courses. We will present several key decisions that need to be made by instructors using the systems. We also present several types of exercises that we have developed to incorporate conceptual thought and encourage learning.