A group of Maseno University students are in the process of developing statistical software that will enhance teaching of statistics in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning.
The project, named African Data Initiative (ADI) is meant to improve understanding of statistics by producing a new, free and easy-to-use statistical software that will also help people in Africa and the world over to easily analyse data and increase statistical literacy.
The group says the software will enable informed decision making which is vital in creating a stable and sustainable society. They envisage that it will also encourage good statistical practices and learning besides being free, adaptable, sustainable and accommodative to people with basic computer skills.
In partnership with African Math Initiative (AMI) which is a Maseno-based NGO, Steven Kogo, Polycarp Okock, Mary Mutahi, John Lunalo from the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science and Maxwel Bundi from the School of Computing and Informatics are the main developers of the software.
Christine Laetitia, Mike Ochieng', Alex Waya and Faith Koeth also from the School of Mathematics Statistics and Actuarial Science are working with AMI as interns and volunteers on the same project.
The students are working closely with lectures; James Musyoka and Thomas Mwora both from the same school, Giovanna De Giusti from the School of Development and Strategic Studies and staff from AMI Danny Parson (England) and Santiago Borio (Argentina).
According to Danny Parson, the software will open doors to training that emphasises concept rather than the theoretical approach which they say is the norm currently.
“The software will change statistical training across all academic levels. In particular we want to enhance the teaching of basic statistical in schools,” he said.
AMI was formed in 2011 by lecturers and postgraduate students of Maseno University in response to the successful Maseno Math Camp held in 2010.
The camp was held to enable students experience mathematics in an enjoyable and relevant way. Due to the enthusiasm generated by the camp AMI was conceived to help identify, improve and scale up African initiatives in the mathematical sciences.