Support for teaching the basis of Probability Theory using R-Shiny applications

Students of the theory of probability often acknowledge difficulties when it comes to comprehending the basic statistical principles, including the central limit theorem. Hence, instead of understanding the issue, they rather resort to memorizing the method, which results in a weak knowledge base essential for further comprehension of other more advanced statistical methods. Furthermore, to teach about a topic that is to a certain extent considered abstract, classical teaching methods often end up being hard to grasp. Nonetheless, modern teaching tools that incorporate the use of interactive web applications can increase the students’ interest in the issue. Research has shown that the active involvement of students in the study of difficult topics helps them to clarify and comprehend the subject. Given the close connection of statistical practice with the opensource language R, which also incorporates the Shiny package enabling the creation of interactive web applications, a solution comes to light - teaching the theory of probability with the support of R’s Shiny application dealing with the problematics of central limit theorem. Its effect is simulated upon discrete and continuous distributions both graphically as well as with the use of central tendency. These premises conjointly define the goal of my bachelor's thesis. The application is then stored on the university’s website providing a study aid to not only teachers and scholars, but anyone in the public interested in the issue.