|
The package was created to solve many of the problems which exist with the delivery and use of modern statistical software. Many times statisticians develop procedures in languages such as Splus, SAS, Minitab, etc.., which are very specific to statisticians. Students and other potential users may not have access to these languages, and therefore may not be able to use the procedures. By using Java and the World Wide Web, StatCrunch should reach the broadest possible audience of any statistical software of its kind.
StatCrunch was chosen as the 2005 Classics Award winner for the Statistics discipline for several reasons. StatCrunch allows any student with internet access the ability to have a reasonably full featured statistical analysis program for minimal cost. This means that students who are taking courses through distance education can now have the same software as students on campus. Students who are working on a statistics assignment at home can now have the same software as they would in a lab on campus. We also believe that StatCrunch represents the beginning of a paradigm shift. As time moves forward we believe that most introductory statistics courses will be taught not with installed software but with internet based software. It is proof that the major obstacles that stand in the way of integrating statistical software into the introductory classroom can be surmounted.
|