Slow Data: Central Pennsylvania eCOTS 2026 Regional Meeting
The Central PA Electronic Conference on Teaching Statistics (eCOTS) 2026 Regional Meeting will take place on June 11th from 10:30am to 3:30pm at Bucknell University with an optional mixer after the event. The eCOTS theme is “Sparking Joy and Discovery In a World of AI”. At the regional meeting we are going to focus on “slow data” so that we can lean into the eCOTS topics of joy, creativity, and discovery throughout the day. The program will feature lightning talks, crafty data activities, and small group discussions on how AI is impacting assessments and the teaching of code, writing, and statistical content. While AI promises speed and efficiency, our focus on “slow data” acknowledges that deep/lasting learning takes time and that the slow down is worth it for the gains in student learning.
Registration
All are welcome! Please register for eCOTS ($25 registration) if you would like to attend this meeting. Registration is required as CAUSE is covering the event costs. Reach out to data-science@bucknell.edu if you’d like to attend but the registration fee is a burden.
Schedule for the Event
- 10:30 – 11:00 am: Check-in/Meet-n-greet
- Refreshments will be provided.
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Lightning talks and beyond related to the theme “Slow Data”
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Small group lunch discussions on the impact of AI on assessment and teaching coding, writing, statistical content, and data science content
- 1:00 pm – 1:15 pm: Break
- 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm: Keynote Address: “Make Data Art” by Kim Roth, Penn State University
- 1:45 – 3:15 pm: Crafty and discovery-based statistics and data activities
- 3:15 – 3:30 pm: Closing session
After the meeting, people are welcome to head to downtown Lewisburg for an optional mixer at the Bull Run Tap House.
How to Get Involved
Throughout the day, there will be lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration, including an active-learning component. So, everyone is encouraged to come ready to share their ideas!
Additionally, we are looking for people interested in giving a 5 minute lightning talk on a topic related to theme of “slow data”: teaching and learning opportunities that require us to slow down. Your talk could be related to a teaching example, interesting dataset, assessment strategy, or something else connected to slow data. If you are interested, fill out this form by June 1st. We will be evaluating proposals on a rolling basis, so please fill out the form as soon as possible.
Lightning talk form: https://forms.gle/bbpWSPz2J1Ecemce9
Location and Parking
This event will be held at Bucknell University in the Hislop Family Auditorium, Holmes Hall. If you are planning to stay the night in Lewisburg and have questions about options, please reach out to data-science@bucknell.edu.
Below is a campus map with parking options. Holmes Hall, along with parking lots 50, 51, and 59, are highlighted in a teal square. Even though these are staff lots, you are welcome to park in these lots for the event.
Organizing Committee
- Matt Beckman (Penn State University)
- Neil Hatfield (Penn State University)
- Susan Lloyd (Bucknell University)
- Kelly McConville (Bucknell University)
- Sara Stoudt (Bucknell University)