Using personal capture software to improve the student experience of statistics practical classes Phil Ansell and Tom Nye School of Mathematics & Statistics

Background Stage 1/2 Probability and Statistics modules Stage 2 Statistics for Psychology ReCap for all lecture content Statistics across the institution taught using packages such as SPSS, R and Minitab Delivery through paper-based exercises In-lecture demonstrations unsatisfactory Discourage exploratory learning, through ‘copy and paste’

Project plan Use personal capture software to prepare a series of videos demonstrating key statistical techniques Students can pause, rewind and review content Allow more open questioning Promote independent learning impacting on, e.g. final year research projects

What we have done Prepared practical exercises for introductory probability and statistics courses Gathered anecdotal evidence from students Understood that even a 5 minute clip takes a huge amount of effort! – Script required – Different types of questions required Realised that perhaps a blend of video, paper and practice might be an optimal strategy

What we are going to do next Create further (new and improved) video practical exercises Involve students in designing the material Evaluate through module questionnaires, focus groups etc. Finally…….

ReCap Update Improved service from September 2012 Enhanced user experience (staff and student) – More functionality – Improved viewer experience Limited availability for lecture capture from July-September 2012 (migration of service) Personal capture facility available until late July 2012 (new version available soon after) For further details contact myself or Carol Summerside in Quilt