Technologies for teaching and learning trend in bivariate data

Abstract

Research on technology-use for teaching and learning statistics is sparse compared to that in algebra and calculus. This paper addresses the deficiency with regard to teaching and learning about ‘trend’ in bivariate data. Available research findings are reviewed and an empirical inquiry in a year 12 (upper secondary) class is reported. Treatment of a single dataset by the class is described. Spreadsheet, graphics calculator and projection technologies were utilized. The main conclusions are that the dataset that the teacher downloaded from the internet supported well the identification of trend and variability and testing alternative models; and the spreadsheet graphs that were projected onto the whiteboard mediated class discussion favourably.

Acknowledgements

This paper is part of an Australian Research Council funded project (DP0345843). The co-operation of the Year 12 teacher and her class are acknowledged.