Active Learning: Visualizing: Astronomy, Calculus, Computer Science, Earth Science, and Organic Chemistry with Multimedia Technology

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Geoffrey Jones DUE 9551864 El Camino College FY1995 $80,000 Torrance, CA 905060001 ILI - Instrumentation Project: Interdisciplinary Title: Active Learning: Visualizing: Astronomy, Calculus, Computer Science, Earth Science, and Organic Chemistry with Multimedia Technology El Camino College, a community college of 23,000 students, is encountering less-prepared incoming students, while course work in mathematics and science becomes even more complex. The college seeks new methods, curriculum, and teaching strategies to retain and prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. The approach the Departments of Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematics, Earth and Computer Sciences in this project is to provide a greater amount of active learning through the use of "hands on" computer simulations of projects that previously were lecture only topics. The subject matter chosen for active learning are abstract topics and three dimensional presentations that require some "visualization". Greater "visualization" is now possible through the use of computers using complex graphical, animation, and simulation programs that allow for the examination and presentation of math and science topics in ways that never before existed. By introducing "visualization" in a variety of courses and assignments, the faculty believe that greater understanding, appreciation, and retention of course material will occur. Each of the five departments have described, and in some cases pilot tested, projects and subject matter for "visualization". The departments will share a single multi-disciplinary, multimedia computer laboratory with both Macintosh and IBM capability. The goal is to increase the number of students completing their bachelor degrees within the next five years. Since two thirds of all El Camino students are minority students, a greater transfer and graduation rate of El Camino students will add to the pool of minority mathematicians and scientists. Evaluation of retention and comparison of test score data will be examined. Significant results will be published in professional journals as well as presentations to regional professional organizations.