RStudio makes R easier to use. It includes a code editor, console, debugging and visualization tools, syntax-highlighting editor that supports direct code execution, as well as tools for plotting, history and workspace management.
Since August 2014, ATLAS has been running an RStudio server for teaching purposes for classes using R within the College of LAS. Any class using the R environment can use RStudio.
Testimonials:
"It was so great to be able to have a class of 60 sophomores direct heterogeneous web browsers at http://rstudio.atlas.illinois.edu and for all of them to accomplish data analysis in the classroom." -Jake B., Political Science
"From my end [using RStudio again] would be great since I wouldn’t need to worry about classroom tech. One issue I had all semester was needing to install packages every class since my working directory got wiped on logout. For the students, this would help in a number of ways: No need to install R and RStudio, a pre-installed set of packages for the course, a machine already running LaTeX for use with RMarkdown to create nice looking homeworks, everyone running on the same versions of R and RStudio, and the list goes on." -David D., Statistics
For more information or help, contact ATLAS Infrastructure.