1. U.S. Air Force Academy
Teaching Analytics Courses across the Windows and Macintosh Platforms Southeast Decision Science Institute
23 February 2018
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

2. Agenda
Background
Implementation
Results
Lessons Learned

3. Background
Do you teach analytics using software (Excel, JMP, SPSS, Minitab etc.)?
Do you teach analytics to students using Windows only, Macs only or a mix?
Are you proficient at teaching across different platforms?
If you thought students would be more interested in analytics and maybe learn more, would you be willing to (learn) teach on multiple systems?
Have you ever thought about inclusive teaching practices in terms of software platforms?

4. Background During AY 2016-2017 (University of Denver)
Experimented with teaching business analytics courses using a Windows platform and Mac platform throughout the course (Winter 2017 and beyond)
Comments from feedback and inclass questions led me to understand that some students struggled to follow along (engage) on MACs
INFO-2020 included topics of multiple regression, data mining, forecasting, optimization and simulation (Excel with Solver, Open Solver, Data Analysis Toolpack and XLMiner)
INFO-3200 included topics on data mining and visualization (JMP and Tableau)

5. Background
Class Composition

6. Implementation
Fall 2016 INFO 2020 Sections were taught exclusively from Windows
Obtained an older MAC (2012) version from College IT Office
Winter 2017 INFO 2020 Sections were taught using Windows and Mac (non-partition)
Explained that I would use shortcuts in Excel and would explain the shortcuts in Windows terms and Mac terms
During Winter 2017, Windows/Mac use split during the two hour class session

7. Implementation
During Spring 2017, I moved to Windows Days and Mac Days (more efficient)
For my Winter 2017 and beyond classes, I practiced lessons on Mac to learn shortcuts as I used on Windows
When I taught classes, I shared Win and Mac shortcuts and vice versa

8. Results
From a statistical standpoint, unclear

9. Results
From a statistical standpoint, unclear

10. Lessons Learned
Insure you have the connections to operate both systems in classrooms
Make sure time on both systems is equitable
Verify which version of software is being used
Explain differences in the operation on one system versus the other (Solver, XLMiner example)
Practice, Practice, Practice
Be willing to allow students to explain processes as term goes on

11. Lessons Learned
Students became more willing to approach me on MAC questions
Ask the question in feedback, do you find it useful that I teach on the same system you are using

12. Questions
???