Java-applets have proved to be effective in different settings to demonstrate statistical concepts. The NSF-funded Statistics Online Computational Resource (SOCR) provides a number of interactive tools for enhancing instruction in various undergraduate and graduate courses in probability and statistics. In this paper, we present the results of a quasi-experiment aimed at assessing the effect of moderate use of SOCR on three outcome measures: course scores, student satisfaction and choice of technology to complete the final examination. One section of an upper division "Introduction to probability" class, the treatment group, was conducted with the instructor using the probability applets and materials as assessment tools in homework. Another section, the control group, of the same class was conducted exactly the same way, but not using SOCR. We compared the three outcome measures in the two groups and discuss ways to improve the quasi-experiment. Ideas are given on how to incorporate the applets in various probability courses.
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