For 10/2 meeting

Here's what you should try to get done in OLI by Tuesday Oct 2:

Screens 13-21

One Quantitative Variable Graphs: Histogram - Create a Histogram Graphs: Stemplot Numerical Measures: Measures of Center

Histogram

In class on Tuesday, we will begin with a discussion of statistics in the big wide world. Bring to class any uses of statistics which you come across in your daily life, so we can discuss how the statistic(s) is being used.

The plan for Tuesday's class is to do the M&M data collection, according to the plan we worked out last week.

Alison

It appears that no one has gotten set up with the OLI course, but evenso, I think it's important to get started with working in the course. If you can not get set up with the paid course (see previous post), you can make a free account and start reading, doing the exercises, and doing the larger learn by doing analyses. 

Each week I will post to the blog, providing a list of content to try to complete that week. The idea is to give you a goal so you can make progress. If you'd like to work ahead, feel free to do so.

In the blog posts I will include links to instructions for doing the learn by doing activities using LibreOffice calc. The instructions for using Excel (and other stat software) are included in the course. I made the Calc instructions a few years ago; if you find any issues, please let me know and I'll work to correct it.

Here's what you should try to get done by Tuesday Sep 25:

Introduction, Learning Strategies, and Big Picture -- screen 1 thru 5

Unit 1: Exploratory Data Analysis: Introduction -- screen 6 thru 7 Mod 1: Examining Distributions -- screen 8 thru 9 One Categorical Variable - Create a Table & Pie Chart -- screen 10 thru 12

Calc Instructions: Find & replace One categorical variable

Lastly, remember to keep your eye out in your daily life for interesting applications of statistics. Bring these uses to class so we can discuss how the statistic(s) is being used.

Getting started with OLI probability and statistics

The following guidelines will help you get set up with the OLI Probability and Statistics course and get your "statistical software" figured out:

1. OLI Account: Now that you have decided to participate in this course, you need to register to use the online course.  Enter the admit code, "snieck-12" at the Open Learning Initiatives website, and follow instructions to register for the course. You will need to use the online payment system to pay the $25 fee.
2. Statistical Software: Exercises in the online course are designed for use with Microsoft Excel. However, I will provide instructions and support for students using LibreOffice Calc (packaged with the Ubuntu operating system, which is very similar to OpenOffice Calc if you have a previous version). If you do not have Excel and do not already use LibreOffice/OpenOffice products, consider downloading the most recent package from the LibreOffice.org website.
3. Prework: Before beginning the course, you may want to review how to use a spreadsheet, including working with cells, formulas and functions, and creating charts:
• Calc Guide Working with Spreadsheets - chapters 1-3, 7 and 8
• Basic Excel tutorial - covers the basics, except pivot table (which won't be needed right away). 

Let me know if you have any questions.

Alison

Prep for 9/18 class

I think we are set with a group of 3 for the PLC statistics class: Andrew, Ben and Max. The plan for tomorrow is

1. talk about statistics in the "big outside world" - bring any examples of statistics from the news which you think are interesting.
2. discuss how variables and observations are used in statistics
3. plan for data collection on M&M fun packs.

I will send out a separate post with information about how to get set up with the OLI probability and statistics course. 

Alison

First post

This blog will be used for communications related to the PLC statistics class.