UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 28, Page 5
April 23, 1992
High-tech classroom to be dedicated in Ewing Hall

     The math computer classroom of the future is in place and
functioning well at the University, according to L. Pamela Cook,
interim chairperson of mathematical sciences.
     The computerized classroom is a state-of-the-art facility for
teaching freshman and sophomore students calculus and differential
equations, and few other colleges have this kind of especially
equipped and designed classroom for undergraduates.
     Located in 206 Ewing Hall, and funded in part by Unidel
Foundation and Sun Microsystems, the classroom will be formally
dedicated on Wednesday, April 29.
     John Bergman, associate chairperson of the department who teaches
in the classroom, is enthusiastic about its potential and
capabilities.
     "In the past, an instructor stood at the blackboard lecturing and
writing examples and equations while students listened and took notes.
The new classroom and computer software has changed all that and
encourages interactive, less passive learning.
     "We can do a lot of richer, more realistic kinds of problems. It
is no longer necessary to make time-wasting, lengthy computations with
pencils and paper, when computers can do these rapidly. As a result,
problems can be more complex and we can engage in 'what if' situations
by altering the problem.
     "A major advantage of this kind of computer-aided teaching is the
development of visualization skills. The computer is not static but a
dynamic piece of equipment where students can see geometric
representations of surfaces and solids and how they develop. There is
more chance to experiment and view multi-dimensional objects from
different angles than a textbook could ever provide," he said.
     The classroom was carefully designed so students can work
individually or while learning as a group, according to Cook.
     The facility, which was installed last summer, is used 40 hours a
week for teaching alone. Students also use it on a drop-in basis for
assignments.
     Informal response from students has been positive. Engineering
and science majors especially profit from this kind of instruction, as
the skills they are developing are the ones they will use during their
entire careers. The new technology in the classroom offers an
unparalleled opportunity for changing student perception and
understanding of mathematics, Bergman said.
     -Sue Moncure