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SAS® OnDemand for Academics

Teaching using SAS® OnDemand for Academics Software Applications

The following resources are available to help instructors teach using SAS® OnDemand for Academics.

arrowCourse Preparation Best Practices

If you plan to teach a course using SAS® OnDemand for Academics, we recommend that you review Getting Started with SAS® OnDemand for Academics.

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arrowAvailable SAS Server Data

The SAS Server includes certain SAS libraries (and their corresponding SAS data sets) by default. The available SAS libraries are dependent on the SAS® OnDemand for Academics client that you are using. As an instructor, you might want to use one or more of the SAS data sets available from the SAS Server to ensure that all your students have access to the data.

To view the available SAS libraries, use the appropriate method to browse data for the SAS® OnDemand for Academics client that you are using in your class.

If you are using SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise MinerTM, then you have additional options to access data associated with specific SAS teaching materials. For more information, see Accessing Teaching Material Data for SAS® Enterprise MinerTM.

If you prefer to use your own data, refer to SAS Server Data Storage for details about how to upload data to the SAS Server.

arrowSAS Server Data Storage

As an instructor, you have the ability to store data files on the SAS Server for each course that you create. This feature can make it easier to share data with students. Additionally, the data files will remain available for the duration of the course.

Please keep the following in mind when using SAS Server data storage:

  • You must use a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program to upload the data files that you want to store.
  • Only data files may be stored on the SAS Server (no program files, course notes, slides, and so on).
  • Avoid using spaces in data file names. For example, mydata.sas7bdat is an acceptable name, but my data.sas7bdat is unacceptable.
  • Avoid using special characters (such as parentheses or ampersands) in data file names.
  • You should keep a master copy of your data file(s) in another location.

Note: If you have just registered as a SAS® OnDemand for Academics instructor, your account will be activated and ready for use within 15 minutes. Therefore, it might take up to 15 minutes before you can begin the process of storing data on the SAS Server.

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Working with Third Party Data Sources

Some universities purchase third party data sources or use open source third party data sources. Often times, these data sources are protected by specific license agreements or terms of use. It is your responsibility to

  • ensure that you have the right to upload third party data sources to the SAS Server
  • verify that usage of the third party data sources does not violate any third party rights or any applicable laws or regulations.

Please review the license agreement or terms of use for the third party data source(s) in question prior to uploading this type of data to the SAS Server.

Storing SAS Data Sets on the SAS Server

Instructors can store SAS data sets (file type extension of .sas7bdat) as well as SAS data set index files (file type extension of .sas7bndx) on the SAS Server.

To upload a SAS data set to the storage area for your course, follow these steps:

  1. Log on to your SAS® OnDemand for Academics home page.
  2. Under the Manage Courses area, click the title of the course for which you want to store data.
  3. Scroll to the Course Data Directory area and then click How to use this directory.
  4. Follow the instructions provided.

Note: If you upload a SAS data set for your course that has the same name as a SAS data set that you previously uploaded for the course, then the existing SAS data set will be overwritten.

For step-by-step instructions with screen captures, see Storing and Accessing SAS Data Files

Storing SAS Catalog Files on the SAS Server

Instructors can store SAS catalog files (file type extension of .sas7bcat or .sas7scat) on the SAS Server and then use them as needed. Storing SAS catalog files on the SAS Server is similar to storing non SAS files on the SAS Server. For more information, see Storing non SAS Data Files on the SAS Server.

Since the SAS Server is Unix based, there are some unique steps that must be followed to use SAS catalog files. Additionally, you must have access to a local copy of SAS software in order to complete the steps. The following steps provide an example of how you could create custom formats and a custom catalog and then upload and use them within SAS OnDemand for Academics.

  1. Create custom formats and then store them in a local directory on your PC. You must complete this step using a local installation of SAS software instead of SAS OnDemand for Academics software.

    The following sample code creates a custom format and stores a SAS catalog on your local PC. You can copy and paste the code to try it out (the C:\TEMPFORMATS directory is used as an example, but could be replaced with a different directory name):

    libname mydata 'C:\TEMPFORMATS';
    proc format lib=work;
    value custom_format
    0='30'
    1='31'
    2='32'
    ;
    run;
    proc catalog cat=work.formats;
    copy out=mydata.formats;
    run;
    contents cat=mydata.formats;
    quit;
    filename tranfile 'C:\TEMPFORMATS\transport.dat';
    proc cport catalog=mydata.formats file=tranfile;
    run;

  2. Create a transport file from the SAS catalog that now exists on your PC. If you have a pre-existing SAS catalog with SAS formats, then you can also use this step to create a transport file. Use the sample code below to create the transport file. You can copy and paste the code to try it out:

    libname mydata 'C:\TEMPFORMATS';
    filename tranfile 'C:\TEMPFORMATS\transport.dat';
    proc cport catalog=mydata.formats file=tranfile;
    run;

  3. FTP the transport.dat file in to your SAS OnDemand for Academics course directory. See Storing non SAS Data Files on the SAS Server for details.
  4. Log on to SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise MinerTM. Open a Program Editor window and then run the following code. You can copy and paste the code if you wish to try it:

    libname mydata "/courses/u_x/i_xxxxxx/c_xxx/saslib";
    filename trans2 '/courses/u_x/i_xxxxx/c_xxx/transport.dat';
    proc cimport catalog=mydata.formats infile=trans2;
    run;

    5. Note: In the code above, replace the x characters with the numbers that correspond to your university, instructor, and course numbers. For more information, see Accessing Data Stored on the SAS Server.

  5. Use your custom formats. The formats will persist over multiple sessions. Be sure to use the FMTSEARCH option when you reference a format. See the following code example. You can copy and paste the code if you wish to try it:

    data myformat;
    input a;
    cards;
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    ;
    run;
    options fmtsearch=(mydata);
    proc print data=myformat; format a custom_format.;
    run;

Note: The Code presented above is intended to be used solely as part of a product ("Software") you currently have licensed from SAS Institute Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or authorized agents ("SAS"). The Code is designed to either correct an error in the Software or to add functionality to the Software, but has not necessarily been tested. Accordingly, SAS makes no representation or warranty that the Code will operate error-free. SAS is under no obligation to maintain or support the Code.

Neither SAS nor its licensors shall be liable to you or any third party for any general, special, direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or other damages whatsoever arising out of or related to your use or inability to use the Code, even if SAS has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Except as otherwise provided above, the Code is governed by the same agreement that governs the Software. If you do not have an existing agreement with SAS governing the Software, you may not use the Code.

Storing non SAS Data Files on the SAS Server

Some SAS software applications, such as SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise Guide, are designed to use data other than SAS data sets. The following types of non SAS data files can be stored on the SAS Server:

  • .asc (text file)
  • .csv (comma delimited)
  • .dat (flat data file)
  • .db (Paradox)
  • .dbf (dBASE)
  • .mdb (MS Access)
  • .tab (text file)
  • .txt (text file)
  • .wk? (Lotus 123)

To upload data files other than SAS data sets to the storage area for your course, follow these steps:

  1. Log on to your SAS® OnDemand for Academics home page.
  2. Under the Manage Courses area, click the title of the course for which you want to store data.
  3. Scroll to the Course Data Directory area and then click How to use this directory.
  4. Follow the instructions provided.

For step-by-step instructions with screen captures, see Storing and Accessing Non SAS Data Files

Notes:

  • If you upload a data file for your course that has the same name as a data file that you previously uploaded for the course, then the existing data file will be overwritten.
  • We are unable to support Microsoft Excel files (.xls files). We recommend that users convert .xls files to .csv or .txt files if they would like to upload them to the SAS Server.

Accessing Data Stored on the SAS Server

Once a SAS data set or a data file has been uploaded to the SAS Server, users can access the data using the appropriate LIBNAME or a FILENAME statement.

The LIBNAME or FILENAME statement to use is provided to you during the course registration process. You can also access this information again at any time:

  1. Log on to your SAS® OnDemand for Academics home page.
  2. Under the Manage Courses area, click the title of the appropriate course.
  3. Scroll to the Course Data Directory area and then click How to use this directory.
  4. Review the information to identify the LIBNAME or FILENAME statement for your course.
  5. If appropriate, share the LIBNAME or FILENAME statement with your students so that they will know which statement to use to access your data.

    LIBNAME and FILENAME statements are case-sensitive.

Note: If you have created and uploaded a directory, then you must append the directory name to the generated LIBNAME or FILENAME statement for your course. See Uploading and Using Directories for more information.

Uploading and Using Directories

You can upload directories to the SAS Server using your FTP client. This might be useful if you are trying to organize data files for specific purposes, such as grouping the data used in different course assignments.

If you do upload directories to the SAS Server, then the predefined LIBNAME and FILENAME statements provided for your course will have to be modified to include any directory name. See Accessing Data Stored on the SAS Server to learn how to identify the predefined LIBNAME and FILENAME statements for your course.

For example, if you create and upload a directory called examples, then the name of this directory would have to be appended to the LIBNAME or FILENAME statement generated for your course.

Original Course LIBNAME Statement:

  • libname mydata "/courses/u_xxxx/i_xxxxx/c_xxx/saslib" access=readonly;

Appended Course LIBNAME Statement (assuming that examples was uploaded under the /saslib directory):

  • libname mydata "/courses/u_xxxx/i_xxxxx/c_xxx/saslib/examples" access=readonly;

Note: Directory names (as well as LIBNAME and FILENAME statements) are case-sensitive. If you create and upload a directory named Examples, then you must append Examples (and not examples or EXAMPLES) to your LIBNAME or FILENAME statement.

Listing Data Stored on the SAS Server

If you have uploaded data files to the SAS Server for a specific course and you want to see the names and information associated with those data files, do the following:

  1. Identify the LIBNAME or FILENAME statement associated with the course for which you have uploaded data. See Accessing Data on the SAS Server for details.
  2. Start a SAS® OnDemand for Academics software application (such as SAS® Enterprise Guide or SAS® Enterprise MinerTM).
  3. Open a Program Editor window from within the application.
  4. Enter and run code similar to the example below. Replace the LIBNAME statement in the example with the LIBNAME or FILENAME statement that you identified in Step 1.

    libname mydata "/courses/u_xxxx/i_xxxxx/c_xxx/saslib" access=readonly;
    proc contents data = mydata._all_;
    run;

  5. Use the Output window to review the results. The results will identify the data files that you have uploaded.

Note: If you have created and uploaded a directory, then you must append the directory name to the generated LIBNAME or FILENAME statement for your course. See Uploading and Using Directories for more information.

Encountering Permission Denied Errors while using FTP

Your FTP client must be in passive mode to work properly. This is the default mode for most FTP clients. If you access a "permission denied" error while trying to use FTP, then your FTP client might not be in passive mode. Refer to the online help for your FTP client to determine how to set passive mode.

Note: If you use the Microsoft Windows Command Line as your FTP client, then you will likely have to turn passive mode on. To do so, enter the following command after you have logged on to an FTP site:

literal pasv

Encountering Disappearing Files while using FTP

If you use a graphical (window-based) FTP client, then you might notice that the file(s) that you attempt to upload disappear after a few minutes (if you refresh the FTP client's window). This is normal. When you successfully upload your file(s) to our FTP location, the files are moved to a different location on our server for security purposes. Therefore, if you refresh your FTP client window after a few minutes, it might appear as if the files have disappeared.

If your file(s) do not disappear and/or if you encounter additional files that are appended with _cksum, then your files have likely not been moved (yet) or you might be trying to FTP unacceptable file types.

Accessing Support for Data Storage Issues

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used to move data files to the appropriate storage area on the SAS Server. For information about using FTP, refer to the online help available from your Internet browser application. These help systems typically include information about how to use the browser to complete FTP tasks.

If you have reviewed the topics in this section and the online help for your Internet browser and are still having problems storing your data on the SAS Server, then follow these steps:

  1. Go to www.whatismyip.com to identify your IP address.
  2. Use our technical support process to contact SAS Technical Support. Make sure you include your IP address information.
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arrowTeaching Materials

SAS Education provides certain teaching materials free of charge to instructors at degree-granting academic institutions. These materials include an electronic copy of course notes, slides, and in some cases, code and data. The materials are not available for use by students.

Note: Prior to downloading the course materials, an instructor must register for SAS® OnDemand for Academics. Additionally, instructors will be required to accept a license agreement that specifies the terms and conditions of usage.

The materials were developed for users who are running SAS locally. Certain SAS code examples might not work or might need to be modified. For example, any referenced SAS data sets would need to be uploaded to the SAS Server and any LIBNAME statements would have to be modified to reflect the LIBNAME statement for an instructor's SAS® OnDemand for Academics course. See SAS Server Data Storage for more information.

In some cases, we have already uploaded the SAS data sets used by popular teaching materials. See Accessing Teaching Material Data for SAS® Enterprise MinerTM for more information.

Accessing Teaching Material Data for SAS® Enterprise MinerTM

To use SAS data sets associated with the teaching materials from specific SAS® Enterprise MinerTM courses, do the following:

  1. Start SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise MinerTM.
  2. Create a new project or open an existing project.
  3. In the tree on the left, right-click on Data Source and then select Create Data Source.
  4. From the Source drop down, select Metadata Repository and then click Next.
  5. Next to the Table field, click Browse.
  6. Use the Library drop down to select the appropriate library.
  7. Select the SAS data set that you want to use and then continue with the wizard.

Alternatively, assign one or more of the following LIBNAME statements using SAS® Enterprise MinerTM project start-up code:

  • libname aaem "/tutorials/em/data/aaem";
  • libname aaemspel "/tutorials/em/data/aaem_spel";

    (aaemspel is compatible with SAS® Enterprise MinerTM 5.2 and for use with the SAS® Enterprise MinerTM Self Paced E-Learning course)

  • libname air "/tutorials/em/data/air";
  • libname dmdt5 "/tutorials/em/data/dmdt53";
  • libname lwemi "/tutorials/em/data/lwemi";
  • libname lwemi2 "/tutorials/em/data/lwemi/Instructor_only";
  • libname pmadv "/tutorials/em/data/pmad53";

For more information, see Using Project Start-Up Code.

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arrowAvailable Publications

Books

Review the following list of recommended titles. For each title, you can preview the content and even place an order:

SAS Publishing Desk Copy and Evaluation Copy Program Materials

SAS Publishing offers products to qualified college faculty who are interested in teaching SAS. For more information, see SAS Publishing Desk Copy and Evaluation Copy Programs.

White Papers

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arrowPractice Exercises, Statistics Information, and Sample SAS Data Sets

For instructions about how to perform all of the basic statistics taught in an introductory statistics class, a library of SAS data sets, and a library of practice exercises, visit the SAS Online Resources for Statistics Education Web site.

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arrowStudent Communication

Notifying Students about SAS® OnDemand for Academics

When you create a course within SAS® OnDemand for Academics, you are presented with text that you can copy and paste in to an e-mail to send to your students. This text provides the information that your students will need to register for SAS® OnDemand for Academics and download the appropriate software application.

If you don't copy and paste the text when you initially create a course, you can access the information again at any time:

  1. Log on to your SAS® OnDemand for Academics home page.
  2. Under the Manage Courses area, click the title of the appropriate course.
  3. Refer to the Optional E-mail Message area of the page.

A generic version of the course text is provided below as an example. You can copy, paste, and customize this text if needed. For example, if you have a coupon code that students will need to use, you can include that code in your e-mail.

Dear student:

I plan to use SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Software Application Name software to teach course name.

As a student in my class, you will need to register for SAS® OnDemand for Academics and then access SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Software Application Name.

Here's how to get started:

  1. Access the following Web site: http://support.sas.com/ondemand/index.html#account
  2. Review the information and follow the steps at this site.
  3. If you have additional questions about using SAS OnDemand for Academics, review http://support.sas.com/ondemand or contact me.

Thank you.

Notifying Students about Data Stored on the SAS Server

If you choose to store data on the SAS Server, then you must share the LIBNAME or FILENAME statement associated with that data with your students. For example, you might include the information in course notes or through e-mail. For more information, see SAS Server Data Storage.

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arrowInstallation Instruction Guides

Step-by-step account setup and registration guides (including screen captures) are available. These guides can help instructors and students alike. As an instructor, you might want to share copies of the appropriate guides or links to the appropriate guides with your students.

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arrowTips and Tricks

  • Connection Time-outs. An open connection to the SAS Server will likely expire after an hour of idle time. Firewalls and other security measures often perform these types of time-outs after one hour. Remind your students that they should save their work and/or exit SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise Guide or SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise MinerTM prior to leaving their computer if they are likely to be away longer than one hour.
  • Student Instructors (Teaching Assistants). Only instructor accounts have the ability to create, edit, or delete courses. If a teaching assistant is going to act as an instructor, then they must register as an instructor. A unique e-mail address must be used for the instructor account if the teaching assistant already has a student account.
  • Software Order E-mails. Each instructor and each student receives their own Software Order E-mail (SOE) from SAS when they choose to download either SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise Guide or SAS® OnDemand for Academics: JMP (note that SAS® OnDemand for Academics: Enterprise MinerTM does not use SOEs).

    SOEs include the information necessary to download and install the software that will be used with SAS® OnDemand for Academics. Users should not share their SOEs with other users. Each SOE contains a unique order number that is associated with only one user.

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