Tanya Byker|Amanda Gregg|Dylan Mortimer
Interactive Web-based Simulations to Teach Econometrics: Making Abstract Concepts Tangible
Middlebury College|Middlebury College
develop series publicly available interactive webbased modules instructor materials help students learn econometric concepts ranging sampling distributions omitted variable biasthe pedagogical literature supports using simulations help students understand abstract statistical concepts also cautions illdesigned simulations may ineffectivemost simulation tools currently available constrain users parameter choices require excessive programming infrastructure lack realworld economics examplesour modules allow students experiment inputs like sample size number replications underlying population distributions students see impacts choices displayed visually tables histograms scatter plotsthe modules used classroom demonstrations group activities computer labs also sufficient instructions allow independent exploration