The emergence of technology has led to numerous changes in mathematical and statistical teaching and learning which has improved the quality of instruction and teacher/student interactions. The teaching of statistics, for example, has shifted from mathematical calculations to higher level cognitive abilities such as reasoning, interpretation, and evaluation (Ben-Zvi, 2000). Visualization is one such technological tool and can be defined as the graphical display of information. The benefit of this approach is in providing the viewer with a visual means of processing information (Segenchuk, 1997). Since the 1980's, graphical aids have been viewed as an innovative strategy in education, especially for math or science related subjects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of Flash applets on Pocket PCs in statistics education, specifically in the quality of instruction and teacher/student interactions. Pocket PCs and PDAs are a cheaper option than computer workstations and laptops, and easier to use in team activities. A Flash applet on sampling distributions was developed for use in a Windows Pocket PC unit, and tested using active learning activities in teaching statistical concepts. Results and suggested uses of the applet are discussed.
">The emergence of technology has led to numerous changes in mathematical and statistical teaching and learning which has improved the quality of instruction and teacher/student interactions. The teaching of statistics, for example, has shifted from mathematical calculations to higher level cognitive abilities such as reasoning, interpretation, and evaluation (Ben-Zvi, 2000). Visualization is one such technological tool and can be defined as the graphical display of information. The benefit of this approach is in providing the viewer with a visual means of processing information (Segenchuk, 1997). Since the 1980's, graphical aids have been viewed as an innovative strategy in education, especially for math or science related subjects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of Flash applets on Pocket PCs in statistics education, specifically in the quality of instruction and teacher/student interactions. Pocket PCs and PDAs are a cheaper option than computer workstations and laptops, and easier to use in team activities. A Flash applet on sampling distributions was developed for use in a Windows Pocket PC unit, and tested using active learning activities in teaching statistical concepts. Results and suggested uses of the applet are discussed.