A Leadership Series:
Using Technology to Teach Mathematics and Science
Statistical Applets: The Good, the Bad, and the
Ugly
Brian E. Smith
McGill University, Montreal, Canada
The
appraisal of applets includes a number of different criteria. Ease
of use is determined by loading speed and running speed. Another criterion
is documentation. Questions to be asked are whether the applet explains
its intended concept and whether it provides detailed instructions.
Clarity of concept is another important factor. Specific questions
with respect to clarity are whether the applet does what it promises
and whether it successfully makes its intended point. Esthetics is
an important criterion that is concerned with the effective use of
graphics. Interactivity involves good use of interactive features
such as sliders. Finally, versatility considers whether the applet
is suitable for classroom demonstration and whether students can use
it as an aid to understanding the concept.
Questions to ask yourself when evaluating or using
an applet include:
Who wrote the applet?
When was it written?
Is it supported/updated?
Is it reliable – will it be there when
you need it?
Is it copyrighted? Do you need permission to
use it?
Can you modify it – is source code available?
Applets can be found by using a search engine such
as google or yahoo. They can also be found within applet megasites,
of which the following are examples:
The
City University of New York 
The
appraisal of applets includes a number of different criteria. Ease
of use is determined by loading speed and running speed. Another criterion
is documentation. Questions to be asked are whether the applet explains
its intended concept and whether it provides detailed instructions.
Clarity of concept is another important factor. Specific questions
with respect to clarity are whether the applet does what it promises
and whether it successfully makes its intended point. Esthetics is
an important criterion that is concerned with the effective use of
graphics. Interactivity involves good use of interactive features
such as sliders. Finally, versatility considers whether the applet
is suitable for classroom demonstration and whether students can use
it as an aid to understanding the concept.
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