When to use what type of computer simulator in a statistical teaching curriculum - good overview!
Authors: Marco Reis 1) and Ron S. Kenett 2)
1) Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
2 ) KPA Group, Raanana, Israel, Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel, Center for Risk Engineering, NYU Tandon School of engineering, New York, US and University of Turin, Italy
ABSTRACT
Modern technology is affecting what is taught and how statistics is taught. Computer intensive methods like bootstrapping, generalized regression, coordinate exchange algorithms and computer experiment emulators are now part of the statistical toolkit. In parallel with these new methods and tools, a similar evolution appears in statistical education. Simulators offer opportunities for hand’s on experience in the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In this paper we map a wide range of simulation based tools used in teaching statistical methods, putting them in the context of a quality ladder representing various maturity levels of organisations and course level sophistication. The mapping is designed to help educators assess and integrate options related to the incorporation of simulators as teaching aids in an educational and pedagogical roadmap. The mapping is applied to specific simulation products but provides a general framework that can be expanded and used in a generic way.
Keywords: statistical education; process simulators; pedagogical roadmap; the quality ladder, statistics curriculum.
