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by Huro Kitty

THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

1   INTRODUCTION

“We don’t need no education”, sang pop-star Pink Floyd way back in the 70’s in the famous super hit album, “The Wall”. While this may sound all right for idealistic rebels, it certainly does not apply to the current education scenario. According to the estimation, the combined market capitalization of listed private education companies in India is about US$ 40 bn market with a potential of 16% five-year CAGR. Other meaningful and fast-growing areas include vocational training at US$ 1.4 bn.

Statistics as a discipline is an offshoot of Mathematics and has existed for many centuries. In B-schools it continues to be one of the subjects which are often considered to be difficult by students who try to avoid it. But the way statistics is learnt and taught has undergone a paradigm shift since the advent of computers. In a seminal piece on the topic, Heidingsfield suggested there are two types of researchers. The first implies the training of a research technician, whose training is similar to that of a statistician. A research technician would make little contribution except for his techniques of measurement – collecting and tabulating data, and summarising the findings (Heidingsfield 1947). The second type of training Heidingsfield discusses is that of a research economist, who will also use techniques of statistical measurement, but will further possess an understanding of the fields of business. This type of training tends to produce researchers who can make “constructive recommendations based upon the results of his research” (Heidingsfield 1947). Unfortunately, the pedagogical approach to teaching statistics in business schools often conflicts with the way statistics are used in decision making in business environments and has left students without the skills needed to apply the methods effectively (Maleyeff and Kaminsky 2002).

2   IMPACT ON PEDAGOGY

In this fast-changing world, the prevalence of the Internet is increasing at rapid speed. Knowledge transmission is fast and boundless, and large economic benefits have been indirectly produced. Almost every nation in the world is well-prepared for this global trend (Zhao, 2001). Besides, the emergence of the Internet has intensified global competition, making business environments constantly vary. To retain business competitiveness, enterprises around the world are making efforts to create a human-based, knowledge-centered, and continuously innovative business structure, to cope with the challenges of the new era (Liu, Lai, Wang, & Chang, 2001). Therefore, appropriately applying the Internet to our education system is an important topic. Over the last few decades, talents cultivated under today’s educational system have made a great contribution to worldwide economic development. However, students have long been affected by the exams and enrollment systems, so inspiration or creativity has been overlooked (Ma, 2002). Advantages of using computers in teaching and learning Statistics definitely outweigh the disadvantages. One of the few disadvantages that come to mind is that more and more students are getting over dependent on computers even for the simplest of the computations. What once seemed logical has now been replaced by sophistication. This dependence leads to a student not grasping the technique(s) employed in reaching a particular solution. In my opinion the beauty does not lie in the correct solution but it lies in the process which leads to that solution. Computer oriented solutions more often than not ignore the process part of the solution. This is because the process is carried out in the CPU (central processing unit) of the computers. That is why it becomes imperative for teachers to give hands on experience to students on calculating problems manually as well, even if it takes more pain and time to do the same. This will also help in understanding on how the formulas are derived and how they differ from one situation to another and also on how the formulas can be adapted in unique situations. In the next sub-section I explain the recent changes and developments in the computer related technology that has affected the teaching and learning pedagogy of statistics.

2.1 Text Books

In recent years Statistics text books come with a CD ROM full of exercises, their solutions, and data files. These data files can be used by the students to play around with and this aids learning by doing. Advent of computers has not only helped students but also teachers as it has become a lot simpler to teach and a lot more practical. The CD ROMs which come with the text books often have MS PowerPoint slides with them and one can easily adapt those slides to suit his or her own teaching requirement. They are also appended with sufficient number of files full of data which could be easily used to play around with by students and teachers alike. This helps save a lot of teachers’ and students’ time in search of real life examples for analyses purposes.

2.2 Statistical Packages

Many applications have hit the market since the advent of computers. Their use in the classrooms gives students an opportunity to play with the real data. Fortran, Lotus 123 et al were some applications which were very popular during nineteen eighties and early nineties but with the introduction of MS Office (MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access) in 1995 provided the user with a very friendly software. MS Excel in particular has proved to be the friendliest of all the applications available in the market for statistical purposes. SPSS, Minitab, Systat, Stataquest etc are some other packages that are used for statistical computations. All these software have their own positive and negatives and have different degree of ease with which they could be used. MS Excel and SPSS are widely used packages used in the universities and colleges. They are user friendly and cost-effective at the same time. Apart from this it is much easier to explain many concepts with the help of computers which otherwise need a very elaborate manual solution. Solving a Linear Programming Problem (LPP) is a good example. It would take a long time to solve a LPP by way of Graphical Method or by Simplex Method. But MS Excel-Solver solves the same in a matter of seconds once the problem is correctly formulated.

2.3 Research

Advent of computers and related technology has helped researchers and their research work by manifolds. What used to take months and years in the early twentieth century and ever before could now be achieved in a matter of a few days and weeks. As Statistics is the study of collecting, editing, analyzing, compiling, and presenting data. Use of computer has improved the quality of each one of these steps significantly. Using internet one can send questionnaires and collect responses from potential respondents spread across the world (Prabhakar 2005 & Walker & Prabhakar 2006). The ease with which questionnaires can be filled-in and sent back using computers has undoubtedly improved the response rate. This has collection and comparison of data from different parts of the world much easier. Computer helps in analyses of data too. With a click of mouse one can create beautiful charts and pictorial presentation of data. Examples are many including regression analysis, correlation, pie chart, bar charts etc. Business management students in particular stand to gain from these features as they would need these skills to function effectively once they join a management position at the completion of their studies.

2.4 Statistics online and interactive programs

It is commonly believed that customary methods of teaching statistics to students are not very effective (Yilmaz 1996). There are numerous websites dedicated to interactive learning of statistics. Some of these websites have a solution engine that does the analysis part once you put some data in the boxes provided. Therefore in effect those are real time data crunchers and are instant solvers. There are many paid websites which help students to learn in a tutorial mode using a username and a password. Also there are downloadable interactive statistical programs which generally need to be paid for. Interactive Statistical Programs is a comprehensive system for learning and teaching purposes (Maridakis and Winkler 1984). ‘Statistics for the terrified’ is an example. These programs have simpler explanations of otherwise complex issues with a lot of examples and pictures and exercises with detailed explanations.

2.5 Off shoring and online Tuitions

Many professional organizations have sprung up in recent times understanding the fact that that students at all levels are terrified with statistics and math. These organizations are normally run by a team of teachers who provide online support to registered students and charge fees in return. The best thing about these arrangements is that they are not limited by boundaries. Teachers may be based in one part of the world and students in another. They may never see each other but are connected through e-mails or common platforms like Groove or Blackboard which allow access and saving and modifications to files to the authorized participants. Students can ask or send questions to their tutors and tutors can respond to the questions by solving them or suggesting on how the solution can be achieved. This concept is no different than that of off shoring the services, for example, opening call canters abroad. Similarly some countries have historical and natural expertise over others in the field of Statistics. India and China in particular have individuals with comparatively better skills in statistics due high importance given to math in the primary and secondary school stages. India in particular has an English speaking population with statistical expertise and many students in the USA and in UK are opting for online tuitions from India. Also, the online tuition costs are merely a fraction to that of what one would spend on a tutor located in the western world.

2.6 Assessment & Evaluation

Assessment & evaluation are often very time consuming and tedious processes. It takes a big chunk of teachers’ time to set assignment or examination questions and then check the examination sheets. As discussed above computer programs and internet has also changed the face of assessment and evaluation as there are many real time tests available online which gives the score of an individual with the click of mouse. Many international online aptitude tests use this method to assess students; examples include GMAT, GRE, and SAT etc. These tests are not primarily statistical tests and are administered worldwide for entrance into specific courses. They include multiple choice questions from a host of disciplines like English, Maths (including Statistics), logic & reasoning etc. The computer program ensures that each student taking the test gets a different set of questions of similar level of difficulty. This ensures that test takers’ scores are comparable. Similar methods are employed by some universities. But online statistical tests are more common where multiple choice questions are considered to be an appropriate form of assessment.

3  CONCLUSIONS

Computers and its associated technology is perhaps the most researched field in this era. High volume of research, interest of corporate houses and potential of huge profits ensures that much more is to come and the present state of advancement is nothing but only a phase of development and will be overtaken by faster, broader, and better technology. These changes would definitely affect the discipline of statistics in many ways some of which could be foreseen now and many others can’t be. Teachers and students alike need to be adaptive to the changes in the environment by way of continuously updating their skills for good.

More Used Canter Articles

by Huro Kitty

Make use of efficient Data center manager software

Despite of all the advancements in data center management and monitoring, physical structure of most of the organizations are still in Dark ages. A lot of these organizations still use personal productivity tools or spreadsheets for undertaking these tasks. It is quite difficult to maintain accuracy for managing this critical information. Such tools are wasteful in today’s fast paced world and demand duplication of efforts by a lot of people.

With increasing complexities in the data center complexity and size; IT professionals and data managers require management solutions that let them access networking devices servers without any hassles. There is a greater need of data center consolidation for coping up with the highly competitive market.

To match up the transformation brought by growing device density, energy costs and server visualization; data center management software addresses the need for deep understanding of data center through analysis and modeling. This software serves the need for documentation, visualization and management of the data center in the best possible way. Such software is committed for meeting the requirements of customers well. Data center manager software is made after understanding the issues concerned with data center these days so that it can deliver for these needs.

There are a lot of benefits of centralized data center management software. It helps in managing and trouble shooting serial devices, servers through a centralized administrative interface. The network and system downtime is reduced for enabling access to the failed resources.

By making use of limited IT resources, data control can be centralized for efficient maintenance and management of the processes.  This software offers visibility to all daily occurrences and operations through comprehensive reporting tools and audit logging. Employers can enhance the physical site security while enabling the IT staff to work without accessing the data center. Data center capacity management becomes easier with data center software.

Software enables visualization of entire data center infrastructure which offers a high level view of this data center.  Selectable layers are added to display heat generation, power consumption, signal port availability and be added additional layers according to your requirements. Users can easily drill through greater details starting from data center to devices, racks, and components like drivers, power supplies and blades.

Documentation offers descriptive and clear reporting on IT infrastructure. Customizable reports detail what all resources are summarized and used per row and in data center. Modeling lets the users perform their tasks proficiently and determines impact of resource consumption or data consolidation related to new data centers. Users can conveniently make all the detailed comparisons of equipment upgrades in comparison with current environment.

Historical reporting and optional trend is used for providing complete transparency where resources are consumed over a period of time and when they are about to get exhausted. Data center manager software also helps in tracking the changes in data canter infrastructure at rack, device levels and data center. With assistance of this software, you can make sophisticated searches for locating physical infrastructure components that are based on search criteria. Make your work easier with data center software.

by vorafolio

Dressage Riding – Using Correct Rein Contact

Horseback riding has grown as a long time favourite sport, and has just recently begun to become popular not just in the USA but all over the world, which is why using the correct rein contact is so important in riding.  A rider’s hands needs to guide, encourage – with alittle give and take without being hard or too strong. This is something riders should try. You may be delighted to see how quickly your horse will respond, as the reins are a means of communication.  The reins must not be used to punish or to maintain a rider’s balance. Just following that advice will certainly add benefits and a touch of adventure to your riding!  Evidence of the growing popularity of horse riding is the availability of horses. There is knowledge and experience for anyone who is unfamiliar with this sport.

Nervous riders

It will not matter if you are not an expert at horse riding, because there is always a skilled rider who will be available to give a few horse riding tips to those who are completely inexperienced, but who want the thrill of riding and owning their own horse(s). As a learner, you may be afraid of being run away with the faster gaits; jumping can also cause you to become preoccupied with keeping the horse down to a reasonable speed for control, rather than developing fluidity and freedom.  This can cause a nervous rider to pull on the reins subconsciously.  There is also the fear of falling off, and this fear can be transmitted to the horse, often resulting in the horse refusing.

Under a nervous rider, a galloping horse will go faster, generally, because it senses the lack of control.  The horse will get nervous itself, and will do what most frightened horses do – run away!

What You can do

Consider your abilities and genuine fears.  You want to ride a horse and be professional like a Pro.  You want to learn dressage riding – the set series of movements performed by dressage riders.  There is no need to struggle on your own, without help, as this could result in you or the horse getting injured.  Ride more suitable mounts under good instruction until you are more competent and confident.  Get good quality help and instruction from people who have years of experience and know.  Ride at a slow pace that you are happy with under instruction, from an understanding instructor.  Once you follow the instructions and are confident you can progress on to the faster gaits.

You need to understand, through a good teacher, exactly what you are doing to stop the horse. You may badly want to do something, but are afraid of doing it, such as jumping or cantering or having a gallop in a wide, open space.  You may be pulling back on the reins unconsciously, clinging and gripping – pulling back with your body? The epitome of fear could be the “foetal crouch”, which you may be unaware of doing.

by Laughing Squid

How To Canter A Horse

One of the natural gaits possessed by horses is the canter. The canter is normally faster than a trot but slower than the gallop. This gait is used by all horse riders. The canter gait’s speed could reach more or less 22 kph or 14 mph. The speed heavily depends on the horse. Longer strides would cover more ground and therefore, faster canters are executed.

A lope, on the other hand, is a slower but somewhat similar to a canter. The lope gait has a speed of around 16 kph or 10 mph. It is a collected movement and it is primarily used in western form of riding. Both the canter and lope are 3-beated gaits that are both functional and aesthetically beautiful to watch.

The canter and the lope usually come after teaching the horse how to trot. The animal will gradually learn how to execute these natural movements with the weight of the rider. Horses will eventually be comfortable with the trot gait and that will be the perfect time to canter or lope the horse. As you progress, you will learn how to rate the horse for collection, extension and ultimately feel confident enough for a full gallop.

It is best to start working the horse on the longeline and with the reins out of way. This will help the animal to recognize commands before the horse must deal with the additional weight of a rider.

Here are some tips and techniques on how to canter a horse:

1. Let the horse trot calmly to help warm him up. Do not surprise the horse with the new instructions, make sure he knows the command on the ground before you attempt to try the shift in gate from his back.

2. From the trot, bring your outside leg back but your inside leg should stay on the girth.

3. Keep the horse normally bending to the inside and when you apply the leg cues, the horse will start to lift his shoulders and continue to drive with the hindquarters.

4. When you start to canter, be loose in the hips, move with the animal. Just follow the horse’s movement. Be fluid not stiff. Maintain a slight pressure on the inside leg if necessary so that the animal’s forward motion is sustained.

5. It is very important have gentle contact with the horse’s reins. Make sure he has comfort in the mouth, but enough pressure so he knows you are in control. NEVER jerk on an animals mouth. Many riders prefer to ride without putting any pressure on the reins.

6. Always try to check if your horse is on the correct lead. You can actually feel this but if you are still inexperienced with this, you will just have to observe with your peripheral vision. Do not tip your head to look; it may cause you to get out of correct position.

7. Come back to the trot by softening all the pressure. Just light apply a bump with the rein aid and if you need to, you can use your voice as a command.

8. You can mix things up. You can cue for the canter or lope again if you want. Eventually the horse will effortlessly get the cues and aids. Keep it fresh to prevent boredom with your mount.

9. Practice cantering in both directions. Sometimes, a particular side is more difficult for your horse but with constant practice, the animal will understand and be able to shift in no time.

10. Remember, safety first. Use a helmet, know your mount and be educated on proper cues and etiquette.