Six Online Statistics Courses: Examination and Review

Abstract

We extend George W. Cobb's evaluative framework of statistics textbooks to six online instructional materials that exemplify the diversity of introductory statistics materials available on the Internet. Materials range from course Web sites with limited interactive capabilities to courseware and electronic textbooks that make extensive use of interactive learning objects and environments. Instructional materials are examined in light of recent cognitive research that underscores the robustness of learning from examples, the importance of authentic problem solving in promoting knowledge in use and skill acquisition, and the use of feedback to maximize learning opportunities. Selected units that focus on statistical tools (measures of central tendency, simple linear regression, and one-way analysis of variance) are analyzed in terms of authenticity and diversity of examples, authenticity and cognitive complexity of exercises, and use of interactive learning objects and feedback. General conclusions and suggestions for future directions for online statistics instruction are presented.

KEY WORDS :

• Distance learning
• Evaluation
• Web-based instruction