Just to confirm that there will be no more posts from this blog.
The website is still in existence and can be visited to find out more.
Thanks for your interest.
Monday, 8 April 2019
Thursday, 2 November 2017
Well worth checking out for the UK
Visualising Census data in a very smooth way at PARALLEL mapping...A 3D view option too - here's population density in London.
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Conducting statistical tests for fieldwork
The Geographical Association has released a splendid new resource for those using statistical methods in their fieldwork.
The resource has a range of videos which explain how to use particular statistical techniques.
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
Volcano statistics uncovered
One way to explore statistical data and comparisons between different places which share common characteristics is to play (or create) Top Trumps cards.
Here's a very useful additional resource.
Raphael Heath has produced a very useful new map for any of you who use the Volcano Top Trumps packs in your classroom. If you haven't seen the Top Trumps, they can be purchased via the website.
Here's the map, which shows the locations of the volcanoes in the pack.
Here's a very useful additional resource.
Here's the map, which shows the locations of the volcanoes in the pack.
Friday, 1 May 2015
Grants available for our course in Copenhagen
European in-service training within the framework of Erasmus+ KA1
This in-service teacher-training course deals with how to make sense of statistical information through different presentation forms and media. The participants will understand how to develop students’ statistical concepts and thinking.
Special attention will be paid to international databases and functionality related to presentation of data in graphs, tables and maps as well as comparisons of time-series data sets. Also the developed toolbox offers the interactivity of uploading own data.
The pedagogical advice will use an activity-based approach, based on problem-solving and on concept development.
Special attention will be paid to international databases and functionality related to presentation of data in graphs, tables and maps as well as comparisons of time-series data sets. Also the developed toolbox offers the interactivity of uploading own data.
The pedagogical advice will use an activity-based approach, based on problem-solving and on concept development.
Date and venue
Date: Monday 7 till Thursday 10 September 2015.
Venue: Københavns Åbne Gymnasium (Copenhagen Open Gymnasium), Sjælør Boulevard 133 Valby
We hold 15 rooms for participants in First Hotel Exelsior (arrival Sunday 6, leaving Thursday 10 September), very close to the venue and the Central railway station of Copenhagen.
Venue: Københavns Åbne Gymnasium (Copenhagen Open Gymnasium), Sjælør Boulevard 133 Valby
We hold 15 rooms for participants in First Hotel Exelsior (arrival Sunday 6, leaving Thursday 10 September), very close to the venue and the Central railway station of Copenhagen.
Funding Possibility/I-Use grant
If you have been unable to obtain funding you will be eligible for one of a number of an I-Use grant to cover all training, residential and food costs. These grants will only be available on a first come, first served basis. Applications for these grants must be received no later than May 31 2015. Further details are available from the I-Use website.
Monday, 20 April 2015
Website materials shared at the GA conference
Have you checked out the I-USE website recently?
We have a range of materials for teaching about, and developing your own statistical literacy.
Image: Luc Zwartjes presenting in Manchester - image by Alan Parkinson
We shared these at the GA Conference, and had some very good feedback from the delegates who came along to our session, and had the chance to try the hands-on tools.
Here's an example of the resources that we've been creating... This one is on the theme of Overpopulation.
Head to the website to download the others.
Follow the TOOLS and LEARNING tabs to find the latest additions...
We have a range of materials for teaching about, and developing your own statistical literacy.
Image: Luc Zwartjes presenting in Manchester - image by Alan Parkinson
We shared these at the GA Conference, and had some very good feedback from the delegates who came along to our session, and had the chance to try the hands-on tools.
Here's an example of the resources that we've been creating... This one is on the theme of Overpopulation.
Head to the website to download the others.
Follow the TOOLS and LEARNING tabs to find the latest additions...
Sunday, 5 April 2015
I-USE at the GA Conference
We will be at the Geographical Association Conference in Manchester next week.
We are doing a workshop on Friday the 10th of April from 4.30 - 5.20
We'll be sharing news about the project, and the teacher-training course that is taking place later in the year...
We are doing a workshop on Friday the 10th of April from 4.30 - 5.20
We'll be sharing news about the project, and the teacher-training course that is taking place later in the year...
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Have you applied for our course yet ?
Stockholm...
Deadline is March as you can apply for funding from your national agency...
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
Earth Primer
On the I-USE project we're keen on apps that can help people get a grasp of statistics.
Although this is not strictly a statistical app, it makes use of models of the way that physical processes work, and brings them to life.
A month or so ago, I picked up on an app that was getting ready for adding to the App store. I contacted Chaim Gingold, who worked on the game called SPORE some years ago, and found out more about it, and started to get excited about the potential for teaching the ideas that underpin geomorphology to a lower school audience, and those who may just be interested in finding out more about how the Earth works.
The app is now live on the App store at a cost of £7.99, and is called Earth Primer.
Take a look here.
It allows the user to explore the world in an exciting way and explore how processes that shape the earth work.
There are several sections which are possible to work through and these include a look beneath the surface of the Earth as well as the range of processes which change the surface.
Work through the book to unlock tools which can then be used in the Sandbox section of the app.
I'm working on some education materials for the app, which will be available in a few weeks time.
Although this is not strictly a statistical app, it makes use of models of the way that physical processes work, and brings them to life.
A month or so ago, I picked up on an app that was getting ready for adding to the App store. I contacted Chaim Gingold, who worked on the game called SPORE some years ago, and found out more about it, and started to get excited about the potential for teaching the ideas that underpin geomorphology to a lower school audience, and those who may just be interested in finding out more about how the Earth works.
The app is now live on the App store at a cost of £7.99, and is called Earth Primer.
Take a look here.
It allows the user to explore the world in an exciting way and explore how processes that shape the earth work.
There are several sections which are possible to work through and these include a look beneath the surface of the Earth as well as the range of processes which change the surface.
Work through the book to unlock tools which can then be used in the Sandbox section of the app.
I'm working on some education materials for the app, which will be available in a few weeks time.
Monday, 22 December 2014
Our World in Data
This website explores the world of data that are out there...
It includes a range of data sets and ideas for how to use them.
There are 5 'visual histories' too, which are data-rich presentations.
The site has been developed by Max Roser, and comes highly recommended...
It includes a range of data sets and ideas for how to use them.
There are 5 'visual histories' too, which are data-rich presentations.
The site has been developed by Max Roser, and comes highly recommended...
Saturday, 1 November 2014
New look for FAOSTAT database
Earlier today, I was researching some sources of data for a document that will make it onto the I-USE website. This will explore some of the best apps for use in statistical lessons.
The FAO website has been updated, and the previous version is being phased out...
There are some useful statistics here on Food Security, for example, which are well worth exploring...
The FAO website has been updated, and the previous version is being phased out...
There are some useful statistics here on Food Security, for example, which are well worth exploring...
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
StatSilk
These are not free, but can produce sophisticated results, such as this animation of Ebola victims...
A slightly random post...
What is randomness ?We use random numbers in geography when carrying out geography fieldwork - this is used to identify points within a field area and aid sampling techniques.
I used to do fieldwork on salt marshes with sixth form groups and we would use random number tables to choose our locations. But how random were those numbers ? And did we use them correctly ?
Randomness is an interesting statistical concept.
Does pressing the random number key on a calculator really generate a truly 'random' number ?
There was a useful article on the nature of randomness.
Wind Turbines and bird deaths are a story which has been used to indicate the downsides of this form of alternative energy. Do birds really fly into the turbines and get killed in any sort of numbers ?
How random would this act be ? Or are there particular places that are more at risk of bird strike ?
How about this for another way to explore randomness...
I bought some pack of Random sweets. These are made by Nestle. They contain apparently a random set of strange jelly items. How random are they ? Would be interesting to find out how many of the packs are similar...
Similar sweets may be available in your own country of origin.
For a slightly better explanation of all things random, you should take a read of this recent post by Jess Whittlestone on the fact that we tend to see patterns in everything.
Image: Alan Parkinson
Sunday, 19 October 2014
iPad and smartphone apps for Statistics
We are preparing a list of apps which are useful for teaching about Statistics.
This might involve finding statistics such as development data, graphing data, visualising it, or in some way making use of data....
Please tell us about the ones that you use in the Google Form below.
All contributions gratefully received...
This might involve finding statistics such as development data, graphing data, visualising it, or in some way making use of data....
Please tell us about the ones that you use in the Google Form below.
All contributions gratefully received...
Saturday, 27 September 2014
Everyone Counts
A very useful resource aimed at connecting Geography with some numeracy skills.
It has been produced by Oxfam, and is called Everyone Counts.
Oxfam is a UK based charity which works to support people in need, and fund development projects.
Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
It has been produced by Oxfam, and is called Everyone Counts.
Oxfam is a UK based charity which works to support people in need, and fund development projects.
Aimed at 8-12 year olds.
Everyone Counts is an engaging resource which supports key elements of the maths curriculum. Using real-life data about children living in four countries around the world, pupils will develop their skills and understanding of topics such as time and data handling.
The resource also explores how inequality affects the lives of children in different parts of the globe.
There are plenty of useful resources and ideas that could be adapted to a number of subjects, and other scenarios, and plenty of inspiration for those wanting to connect this with development data.
Thursday, 11 September 2014
I-USE Teacher training Pilot course
Two images taken during our pilot teacher training course which is taking place at the University of the Aegean this week.
Iain Palôt is presenting in the top image.
Iain Palôt is presenting in the top image.
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Pilot Teacher Training Course underway
We're now underway with our Pilot training course at the University of Aegean on the Isle of Lesvos.
Thanks to all the participants for your energy and enthusiasm.
Thanks to all the participants for your energy and enthusiasm.
I-Use pilot teacher training course http://t.co/LZL2M2NUwr pic.twitter.com/VRTjbFo7aW
— I-Use (@StatsinEdu) September 10, 2014
Saturday, 6 September 2014
Research in Education
The Research in Education event was held this weekend.
It brought together a range of educators with a background or interest in how research could influence classroom practice.
One presentation by David Didau not only had some interesting insights into the value of research, but also on the nature of causality and coincidence... Some good examples to use when showing why it's important to be sceptical about the use of statistics on occasions...
It brought together a range of educators with a background or interest in how research could influence classroom practice.
One presentation by David Didau not only had some interesting insights into the value of research, but also on the nature of causality and coincidence... Some good examples to use when showing why it's important to be sceptical about the use of statistics on occasions...
Sunday, 31 August 2014
I-USE code now on Github
The I_USE website has a series of tools, and one in particular is ground-breaking.
It offers users the chance to create their own maps by entering data into a simple interface on the site. This produces an interactive map which has more flexibility than any previous tool.
Global maps can be produced in seconds to show data that has been collected by users, or obtained from other sources.
We have now placed the code for these tools on the GITHUB site, which is a repository of code that can be used by developers. The relevant page where the code has been placed is HERE.
This is very rare for a project with our EU funding, and is done in the spirit of collaboration, and to also bridge the gap between education and technology.
We're excited to see what developers might do with the code, and blur the distinction between education and cutting edge technology. It's very rare for projects with the EU LLP funding that we have to share code openly in this way. Another example of I_USE exploring new avenues...
You can give the tool a go on our developers page here which is a version of the page on the full I-USE website.
Thanks to our wonderful colleagues Alex Kotsev and Veselin Vasilev for their work on the coding and documentation.
It offers users the chance to create their own maps by entering data into a simple interface on the site. This produces an interactive map which has more flexibility than any previous tool.
Global maps can be produced in seconds to show data that has been collected by users, or obtained from other sources.
We have now placed the code for these tools on the GITHUB site, which is a repository of code that can be used by developers. The relevant page where the code has been placed is HERE.
This is very rare for a project with our EU funding, and is done in the spirit of collaboration, and to also bridge the gap between education and technology.
We're excited to see what developers might do with the code, and blur the distinction between education and cutting edge technology. It's very rare for projects with the EU LLP funding that we have to share code openly in this way. Another example of I_USE exploring new avenues...
You can give the tool a go on our developers page here which is a version of the page on the full I-USE website.
Thanks to our wonderful colleagues Alex Kotsev and Veselin Vasilev for their work on the coding and documentation.
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