Transcript Virginia Tech Math Emporium

Virginia Tech
Math Emporium
Visit – March 2007
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Located in a strip mall about 10 walking minutes from campus.
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Serves as “anchor store” of the mall.
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Entrance
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Reception/security area - The Emporium is open 24 hours 7 days a week.
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540 IMacs available, not only for math students.
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A “moveable” section of the Emporium is used for proctoring exams.
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A “pod” consists of six workspaces, each with adjoining desk areas.
Students ask for assistance by placing the red cup on top of their computer.
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The acoustics allow for conversations without disturbing neighboring students.
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• Started in 1996
• Championed by Mike Williams, Math
Professor and (at the time) Director of
VT’s IT department
• Initial motivation: Financial crisis at VT
• First course: Matrix Algebra freshman
course for Engineering students
• Supported by the National Center for
Academic Transformation (NCAT)
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• Completely on-computer/online – no
classes except for a short orientation
session in the first week of classes
• Considerable cost savings
• Student success and retention somewhat
similar to traditional classes; format does
not seem very popular with students
• Problem: topics of high conceptual
demand (e.g., eigenvalues/eigenvectors)
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• Support personnel (UG and GR students,
instructors, professors) available Monday
thru Friday from 9 a.m. to midnight.
• Teaching credit formula: 1 TLC = 2 hours
on the “floor”.
• One helper for every 24-30 students
• Software and coursework developed inhouse.
• Needs careful planning – IT, crisis
management protocols, lab has raised
floor…
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• Students can work at home on their
computer or in the Math Emporium.
• Students can take unlimited un-proctored
practice quizzes.
• Frequent deadlines for completion of
proctored quizzes and exams to prevent
student procrastination.
• Quizzes and Exams are randomgenerated and multiple choice.
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• As of today the following courses are
“taught” in this format:
– Matrix Algebra
– College Algebra
– Precalculus
– Calculus for Business and Life Sciences
– Next: Mathematics for Architecture
• Considered “worthwhile” when enrollment
exceeds 500 students per year.
• Not used for the Engineering Calculus
sequence
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