A Data Analysis Exercise Server for Introductory Statistics Courses

数学科学(21)几乎没有统计学家会考虑手工分析数据集，因为计算机是每个现代数据分析员的主要工具。虽然几乎每一门统计学入门课程都有一些计算机组成部分，但在向学生提供数据和软件方面存在许多问题，这限制了计算机在统计教育领域的影响。万维网可以用来解决阻碍在基础统计教育中充分实施以计算机为基础的数据分析的许多问题。学生现在可以通过WWW轻松访问数据和软件进行分析。考虑到这一目标，PI创建了一个名为WebStat的统计包，它以Java小程序的形式运行。使用Java的独立于平台的功能，这个包可以在所有常见的WWW浏览器和每个主要的计算机平台上运行。该项目正在围绕WebStat软件设计一个WWW网站，使来自全国各地的教师能够利用该软件的全部功能轻松地向学生介绍现代数据分析。该网站将展示一系列有意义的数据分析练习，教师可以从这些练习中为学生设置作业。该网站将能够跟踪、评分和积累学生对各种问题的回答，以测试他们的数据分析技能。该项目的最终目标是通过提供强调数据分析技能和结果解释的灵活的练习系统，加强学生对基本统计的理解。

Mathematical Sciences (21)Almost no statistician would consider analyzing a data set by hand since the computer serves as the primary tool for every modern data analyst. While almost every introductory statistics course has some computer component, there have been numerous problems with providing students access to data and software, which have limited the impact of the computer in the area of statistical education. The World Wide Web (WWW) can be used to solve many of the problems, which have impeded the full implementation of computer-based data analysis in basic statistical education. Students can now gain easy access to data and software to analyze it via the WWW. With this goal in mind, the PI's have created a statistical package called WebStat which runs as a Java applet. Using the platform independent features of Java, this package runs within all common WWW browsers and on every major computer platform. The project is designing a WWW site around WebStat software which will enable instructors from across the country to easily introduce students to modern data analysis using the full capabilities of the software. The site will feature a pool of meaningful exercises in data analysis from which instructors may setup assignments for their students. The site will have the capability to track, grade and accumulate student responses to a variety of questions testing their data analysis skills. The ultimate goal of the project is to enhance student comprehension of elementary statistics by supplying a flexible system of practice exercises which emphasize data analysis skills and the interpretation of results.