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Peer Review

Statcato

Reviewed:
Sep 19, 2013 by Statistics
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 5.0 stars
Content Quality: 5.0 stars
Effectiveness: 5.0 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:
This module is a powerful Java download that allows for basic statistical computations and procedures to be done quickly and thoroughly. It allows for one to manually input data or upload a data file into the spreadsheet. It is very similar to other popular statistical analysis software such as Minitab, StatCrunch or Excel – MegaStat.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
I’d suggest using this in the classroom during lecture and demonstration. The student can use this at home since it is easily downloaded. This can even be used in a team setting.
Technical Requirements:
Statcato requires Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.6 or higher.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
- The learner will be able to easily analyze a dataset both graphically and numerically. - The student can use the ‘Help’ directory to learn the formulas and calculations behind the functions built into Statcato. - The learner will gain a more complete understanding of how the different pieces of statistics all fit together into one cohesive picture.
Target Student Population:
Elementary statistics at the high school or college level.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
General understanding of spreadsheets would be helpful. Basic knowledge of Excel should suffice. Students should have a basic understanding of inferential statistics so they know which test to run based on their data.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:
The tool serves its purpose well. It facilitates statistical practice and is free. It includes adequate resources, including tutorials and help files.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:
Module encourages exploration. Ease at which statistical methods can be accomplished will allow for students to gain instant satisfaction. Includes a complete set of concepts covered in an introductory statistical course. Easy to write assignments on data analysis problems, which in turn will promote student discovery.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:
Very easy to use! If student has even a basic understanding of Excel, they shouldn’t have any problem navigating this module.
Other Issues and Comments:
Incredible free tool! Replaces need for expensive calculators or software to do basic statistical analyses.
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