Teaching Statistics Online in the Health Sciences

• Activity Number: 420
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Tuesday, August 6, 2013 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: WNAR
• Author(s): Jeff M Szychowski*+ and Andres Azuero*+ and Kendra K. Schmid*+ and Bonnie Dumas*+
• Companies: University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Nebraska Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina
• Keywords: online education ; web-based teaching ; teaching statistics

Abstract

As the demand for internet-based learning increases, so grows the need for knowledgeable instructors comfortable with delivering content online. Panelists were consulting statisticians and experienced educators from three U.S. based universities, who shared their perspectives and insights on teaching graduate level courses in an online format. The experiences presented came from a variety of courses in diverse academic programs where student goals, quantitative preparation, and computer literacy vary considerably. The panel discussed accommodation of degree-specific curriculum requirements, transition from a brick-and-mortar classroom to cyberspace, course implementation considerations when going online, challenges and opportunities of the online experience, and recommendations for success. The goal was to share what worked or did not work to assist educators who are considering new online courses or programs, or who are seeking to modify ongoing offerings.