This paper presents examples of effective uses of microcomputers to support basic statistics instruction. All programs are written in Applesoft BASIC for Apple II Plus microcomputers and compatible equipment. They have been field tested in statistics courses at the University of Maryland. Microcomputers can be used with color monitors for…

Reviewed are three computer software programs: the Astronomer (astronomy program for middle school students and older); Hands-on-Statistics: Explorations with a Microcomputer (statistics program for secondary school students and older); and CATGEN (a genetics program for secondary school students and older). Each review provides information on:…

Demonstrated is the use of BASIC computer programs to simulate a binomial experiment and test a simple statistical hypothesis. The theoretical results are reached with the third programing attempt. All results, as well as computer programs, are included. (JJK)

Students in an introductory statistics course are often preoccupied with learning the computational routines of specific summary statistics and thereby fail to develop an understanding of the meaning of those statistics or their conceptual basis. To help students develop a better understanding of the meaning of three frequently used statistics,…

This book seeks to develop, enhance, and expand students' understanding of mathematics by using technology. Topics covered include the advantages of spreadsheets along with the opportunity to explore the 'what if?' type of questions encountered in the problem-solving process, enhancing the user's insight into the development and use of algorithms,…

Described is a strategy that allows students to experiment with probability without applying formulas to solve problems. Students are able to intuitively develop concepts of probability before formal definitions and properties. Sample problems are included along with BASIC programs for some of the problems. (KR)

Presented is the change-point estimation which is a variation on point estimation for a two-sample problem. This variation relies on the elementary properties of the expected value and variance operators, is intuitive and is easily accessible for introductory statistics courses. Data for this exercise may be produced by a BASIC program which is…

Discusses some of the myths surrounding grading on the curve. Provides a simple explanation of such statistical terms as histograms, relative frequency, normal distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Describes how to restructure the curve, including the program listing for a computer program that will assist the teacher. (TW)

Describes the use of simulation to introduce the bootstrapping technique of creating confidence intervals for the mean, median, and variance. These bootstrap confidence intervals are compared to the traditional confidence intervals for the purpose of analyzing accuracy of the technique. A Minitab program to produce confidence intervals is…

This CD-ROM computer disc contains a separate data analysis system for the following National Center for Education Statistics studies: 1996 Beginning Postsecondary Students First Follow-Up (BPS:96/98); 1990 Beginning Postsecondary Students Second Follow-Up (BPS:90/94); Baccalaureate and Beyond Second Follow-Up (B&B:93/97); Undergraduate…

Provides a short BASIC program, RANVAR, which generates random variates for various theoretical probability distributions. The seven variates include: uniform, exponential, normal, binomial, Poisson, Pascal, and triangular. (MVL)

Describes the application of expert systems to provide computer-assisted instruction support to students to facilitate their learning of both fundamental and advanced statistical concepts. Provides examples of both a modular system and an integrated system which utilize VP-Expert, an expert system development shell. (14 references) (Author)

The assumptions common to all capture-recapture models for estimating population size are reviewed. A simulation using either a playing board, counters, and dice or computers is described. Classroom implications of using the board game are discussed. (KR)

The materials described here represent the conversion of a highly popular student workbook "Sets, Probability and Statistics: The Mathematics of Life Insurance" into a computer program. The program is designed to familiarize students with the concepts of sets, probability, and statistics, and to provide practice using real life examples. It also…

Considers the development of a computer program for interactive, screen-oriented problem solving. Provides theoretical background and program development to determine internal energy, heat capacity, and entropy. Lists the program written in BASIC for Apple II computers. (MVL)