Teaching and assessment in Statistics using Shiny interactive applications

The free software data analysis program R has gained much popularity in recent years, due in part to the development of friendly interfaces like RStudio. Among the many complements available, the Shiny package means that interactive applications can be created which allow users to experiment with the changes in the results arising from changes in the inputs. This interactivity can be used to develop a series of pedagogical tools to reinforce learning. There is a wide range of possibilities, from applications that illustrate how a technique works, to others that facilitate understanding difficult concepts, or even enable teachers to assess the acquisition of concepts and competences. Thus, this paper presents some interactive applications for self-assessment written in R code that provide students with customized exercises of a common structure. The common structure facilitates collaborative work among students, while the customized features mean that each student does some autonomous work, so avoiding mere replication of work done by colleagues. Students can use the tool to assess their progress and to reflect on their learning processes. In addition, the customization of the exercises and their easy marking are key features for teachers. Therefore, we think that this set of applications allows teachers and students to address the teaching and learning of a subject – in this case Statistics – in a more effective, engaging and attractive manner. Indeed, it is possible to design applications like these in other disciplines (Public Economics, Applied Economics...) in different degree qualifications, or even use them to promote and encourage mainstreaming between different subjects.