• Working in the Computer Labs
• Keeping Students on Task
• Using Statistics Software
• Some Challenges that May Arise in the Use of Technology
• Resources and Contact Information

• In the computer labs used for Statistics recitations, you have access to two white boards, a traditional overhead projector, and a computer with internet access that is wired to a projector.
• The controls to turn on the computer’s projector are on the instructor’s podium.
  • Power turns the overheard projector on and off.
  • PC1 (Input1) projects a laptop.
  • PC2 (Input2) projects your computer on the screen.
  • The mute button turns the screen black without turning the computer off. Press it again to turn the screen back on.
  • For information about the classrooms you will be teaching in you can go to OSU Classroom Services website.
  • More specifically the links for the most widely used rooms/labs for Statistics recitations are:
    • EA 265
    • EA 275
    • EA 285
• Issues with any of the computers, lights, or projectors in the above labs should be reported to the technology support specialist in the center room (“the fishbowl”).
• If students’ computers don’t work, you can have the students check to make sure they are turned on and plugged in. If there are too many broken computers, have the students share.
• If you are assigned to the Mac lab (EA 265) and are not familiar with how to use the system, you can talk to another TA or a faculty member who uses Macs for guidance. There are also tutorials available online that can be found through Google (For example, if you search for keywords “Mac tutorial” you are led to the Mac 101). Likewise, if you prefer Macs and are assigned to the PC lab, you can talk to another TA or a faculty member in the department.

• Tell students from the first day of the class that they are not to play games or surf the internet during class. Remind them that such behaviors will reflect negatively on their participation grade.
• Walk around the room frequently, rather than just standing in front of the class.
• There is software available that allows you to see what the students are doing on their computers. You can project any student’s computer to the large screen, or do mini-windows of all their screens. You can also lock their computers. The software for doing this is called NetSupport School in the PC labs (EA 275 & 285) or AppleWorks (ARD) in the Mac labs (EA 265). See “Resources and Contact Information” for more information.

• Each course uses different a statistical software package and they should all be available in the lab. Statistics 133 uses Excel and Minitab, Statistics 135 uses DataDesk, and Statistics 145 uses StatCrunch. To find out what software (if any) is used for Statistics 427/428, contact the lecturer. All these software packages should be available in the computer labs used for the Statistics courses.
• Web-based programs like StatCrunch will require you to sign in to a web browser using your OSU name.number before you can access them. Remember to always log out before you leave the room and encourage your students to do so as well.
• In the Mac room (EA 265), StatCrunch will only work properly in the internet browser Safari. It works in any browser on a PC.
• Instructions on using the statistical software for your teaching are available in the software’s help files, online, or from your course coordinator.
• You should try out any simulations or computer activities on your own before you try to demonstrate them to the class.

• If you plan to use a certain form of technology (such as computer projector or overhead projector), make sure to figure out how to operate it BEFORE class.
• Keep in mind how much time the setup takes.
• Decide beforehand when would be a good time to turn the computer projector or overhead projector on/off.
• Have contingency plans ready, just in case the technology fails you.

Department contacts:
The Statistics Department’s homepage lists the names of the computer/technology support personnel under Computer Support .


University contacts:
See “Main Resources” page for University technology support personnel.