Project Number 22 – 1994

Teaching Statistics using Open Learning Resources on
Distributed Computing Services

Project Number 22 – 1994

Noel Wilson
Biographical summary: Twenty years experience in academic computing associated with tertiary level teaching, learning and research software support services. Have been associated with two National Initiatives relating to computers in teaching and training (CTI and ITTI). Associated with over 40 Papers and Conference presentations on my work in the field. Fellow of British Computer Society and Associate Fellow of Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Sally McClean
Biographical summary: Professor of Mathematics, with a special interest in operational research and applied statistics. Associated with a number of projects which relate to the development and use of computer-based open learning materials in support of teaching. Course Director for a Staff Development Course in Research Methods which employs some of the aforementioned open learning materials in its delivery.

Bryan Scotney
Biographical summary: Lecturer in Mathematics with special interest in finite element theory. Has been actively involved in Enterprise in Higher Education (EHE) Project which has produced a range of computer-based learning materials in support of the teaching of quantitative methods/applied statistics.

Abstract

The Project proposed for presentation consists of several components but with the core objective of delivering introductory level statistics and quantitative methods courses on an open learning basis. The main sources of funding include an award under the National Information Technology Training Initiative (ITTI), EHE-sponsored Industrial Placements and University-sponsored Industrial Placement. Several computer-based tutorials (CBTs) have ben created using the Guide hypertext language and these are available University-wide via a series of networked software servers, including a Library-based facility. Topics addressed by the range of open learning materials include presentation statistics, measures of location and spread, data types, simple linear regression and questionnaire design and sampling. Each product is fully supported with user documentation and a range of short self-test exercises and substantive revision work. Use of the service is through independent learning activity, assessed assignments and displaced formal taught courses. The project is ongoing although several components are already available and in active use. The University has four campuses distributed across Northern Ireland, connected with high-speed (10Mb/s) networks and is in the process of installing network points in all faculty offices. Extensive local area network provision is currently in place and used widely in support of teaching, learning anr research applications, including customers of the products referred to in this proposal.

Project Criteria

(5) Relevance of Project to Coalition

1. Team Involvement – members of Faculty, computer specialists and students (computer specialists also provide support for graphics and instructional design matters) 
2. Materials are freely accessible over network from three campuses of the University, spanning approximately 70 km. Some courses combine use of networked resource with theory sessions, others with Workshops and some with assignment work. LAN services are available to support student facilities and services. 
3. A key aim of the project is to displace traditional teaching of introductory level statistics and quantitative methods courses. The range of courses covered is being extended as materials are modified to incorporate data relevant to the new disciplines. 
4. Exercises and self-test materials create a problem solving environment. Some CBTs are also supported with question banks designed using Question Mark. 
5. Each product is designed to meet the content of specific course modules as specified in the Course Document. 
6. ITTI element of Project has a spin off Nationally as each product must be made available to all other tertiary education institutions throughout the UK. Three products are already being distributed Nationally and a further three will be available Summer 1994. 

Course Titles

        BSc Nurse Education                             ( Å 50)
        BSc Mathematics Statistics and Computing        ( Å 30)
        BSc Biomedical Sciences                         ( Å 30)
        PGDip   Women's Studies                         ( Å 20)
        PGDip Research Methods                          ( Å 25)
        Cert Research Methods                           ( Å 10)

Note: figures quoted are based on course/year figures