[CAUSE] CAUSE Webinar:Teaching precursors to data science in introductory and second courses in statistics

  "Teaching precursors to data science in introductory and second courses in statistics" with Nicholas J. Horton, Professor of Statistics, Amherst College February 24 th , 2015 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time (note special time)    ABSTRACT: Statistics students need to develop the capacity to make sense of the staggering amount of information collected in our increasingly data-centered world. Data science is an important part of modern statistics, but our introductory and second statistics courses often neglect this fact. This webinar discusses ways to provide a practical foundation for students to learn to “compute with data” as defined by Nolan and Temple Lang (2010), as well as develop “data habits of mind” (Finzer, 2013). We describe how introductory and second courses can integrate two key precursors to data science: the use of reproducible analysis tools and access to large databases. By introducing students to commonplace tools for data management, visualization, and reproducible analysis in data science and applying these to real-world scenarios, we prepare them to think statistically in the era of big data.   Logistics : The webinar will be conducted using the GoToWebinar software platform. A computer with internet access is all you need. GoToWebinar offers audio participation through your computer microphone.  For participants in the US and Canada, if you prefer the telephone for audio participation, this feature is also available. All registered webinar attendees will receive a confirmation email generated by the GoToWebinar system upon registering. This email includes a link to enter the webinar. Keep this confirmation email as you will use this link to enter the webinar – you will also be sent a reminder with the link two hours before the webinar begins. Once you leave the webinar, you cannot re-enter. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, please review the information below. The webinar will be recorded and the archived version will be available on-line within a few days following the presentation, if you are unable to attend. New to GoToWebinar? You will see the live presentation on your computer screen and the sound of the presentation will come through your computer. If you can listen to music or hear videos on your computer, your computer has the capability for you to hear the presentation. For your voice to be heard by the presenters, if you wish to ask a question, GTW gives viewers the option of VoIP (voice over the internet) or a telephone option for U.S. and Canadian participants. VoIP will allow everyone from around the world to participate without additional cost. The option to change from VoIP to phone will appear in the screen of options after you enter the webinar. If you wish to change to phone, follow the instructions and enter the provided pin number. If you are using VoIP, you will need a microphone attached to your computer so that your question can be heard by the presenter/audience. GoToWebinar offers a short video, “ Attendee Quick Start (5:09) ”, which you may find helpful:  http://support.citrixonline.com/en_US/GoToMeeting/video/GTMV00012   For PC-based participants: * Internet Explorer 7.0 or newer, Mozilla Firefox 4.0 or newer or Google Chrome 5.0 or newer.  JavaScript must be enabled. * Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server. * Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection. * Dual-core 2.4GHz CPU or faster with 2GB of RAM or more. * Participants wishing to connect to audio using VoIP will need a fast Internet connection, a microphone and speakers (or USB headset). For Mac-based participants: * Safari 3.0 or newer, Firefox 4.0 or newer or Google Chrome 5.0 or newer.  JavaScript must be enabled. * Mac OS X 10.6 – Snow Leopard or newer. * Intel processor with 1GB of RAM or more. * Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection. * Macs have built-in speakers and a microphone with ambient noise reduction that will work well for VoIP. For participants with GoToMeeting app for iPad, iPhone, or Android: * Free GoToMeeting app from the App Store or Google Play. * WiFi connection recommended for VoIP audio. For attendees with GoToMeeting app for Windows RT tablet: * Free GoToMeeting app from the Windows Store. * x86, x64 or ARM processor. * WiFi connection recommended to use VoIP.