Technology, and simulation in particular, can be a very powerful tool in helping students learn statistics, particularly the ideas of long-run patterns and randomness, in a concrete, interactive environment. This talk will provide examples of the integration of simulation to enhance topics throughout an introductory statistics course through a combination of Minitab macros and specifically designed applets. Topics will include randomization tests for comparing groups, and sampling distributions of proportions, odds ratios, and regression coefficients. We will also highlight how simulation can motivate students to learn the more mathematical derivations. Feedback and sample work from students will be presented, as well as issues in designing effective simulation investigations.
The CAUSE Research Group is supported in part by a member initiative grant from the American Statistical Association’s Section on Statistics and Data Science Education