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 ).