Continuing my reflections on cascading into the classroom technology learning tools I’ve explored the past 7 years thanks to influence of Jane Hart …
A wonderful tool for teaching about random sampling and random assignment is available through the generosity of Scott Plous who created the invaluable online resource Social Psychology Network. I introduce students to Research Randomizer in my Psychology 205 “Statistics and Experimental Design” course where I require that they go through the excellent online tutorials. I often have students subsequently draw random samples from my class list who are the designated students-to-be-called-upon for the day. I see Research randomizer as a valuable teaching tool in almost any course where students and faculty are interested in an easy to use, valid, way of drawing random samples or to randomly assign participants to conditions. Much superior to drawing mixed numbers from my hat!
Here is a brief screencast one of my research assistants and i made illustrating how I introduce Research randomizer to my PSY 205 students.
Random Thoughts from David Simpson on Vimeo.
Things have always made more sense when I have heard them verbally instead of reading words off a page. Unfortunately, most classes weigh heavily on the latter. This tool, with concise sentences placed around an informative video, makes taking in and retaining the information much more simplistic.
-Leah P
This posting was a good refresher on the random sample creator. It will be good to look back on throughout the semester if I forget how to use it.
This was a great review for the randomizer website. I think these videos are a great tool for students who miss something in class or maybe just can’t take notes fast enough. Very helpful.
Dear Dr. Simpson,
Thank you for taking the time to make these videos because I am a slow learner and using these videos allows me to learn at my own pace and review what I might not have caught the first time around.
JohnW
Dr. Simpson,
I found this video to be of great use and help for learning to use this resource in order to take a random sample. Thank you for posting.