Web-Based Applets for Facilitating Simulations and Generating Randomized Datasets for Teaching Statistics

Abstract

AbstractInteractive web-based applets have proven effective in teaching statistics. This article presents new implementations of web-based applets primarily targeting a traditional introductory statistics course in two particular areas: (a) using real-time response data to engage students in simulations and (b) generating randomized datasets for assignments. It also provides an extended use case in courses beyond the traditional introductory statistics course. All applets given in the examples are made using the open-source package Shiny in R. The source code with detailed comments for all applets in this article is available in the supplementary materials section for other instructors to adopt and tailor to their needs. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.

Keywords

• Applets
• R Shiny
• Randomized datasets
• Real-time response data
• Simulation