3.2.3 Data analytic activities
Another active learning concept that can be implemented remotely is data analysis. Data analysis targets the Analysis level of Bloom’s taxonomy most naturally, but also Evaluation (synthesis of new knowledge from data) and Creation (suggestion of further research). Data analysis can range from performing calculations in a spreadsheet program, such as Excel, to performing complex modeling in advanced software packages.
As with other active learning components discussed above, the most important consideration for data analytics is to decide how best to support the course learning objectives. Much as in CUREs, another consideration is how to support skills development. This will inform what precise software platforms will be used for student activities. For example, in many ecology and evolution studies, use of Excel is perfectly adequate. However, in DNA sequence analysis, Excel is not a useful platform. Wright et al. (2020) lay out a number of considerations for choosing software, including consistency with what other instructors are using, instructor comfort with the tool, and the current status of research tools in the field. For example, if analyses in the discipline are commonly performed in R, and other courses in the curriculum are taught using Excel, the instructor might go with either methods depending on their comfort with the two tools. See Section 2.2.1 above for more on access issues to data analysis tools and software.
One further consideration in adopting data analytic activities for online classes is providing data. In the case of a CURE, students may generate the data to analyze. However, in courses where this is not the case, data analytical activities can still be used. NSF-supported resources, such as QUBES, archive datasets and activities that have successfully been used in courses. Additionally, resources exist for specific data types, such as iDigBio for museum collection data, and the National Ecological Observatory Network for large ecology data sets (also see Appendix A ).