Classroom Computer Laboratory and Student Demonstration Stations for Active Learning in Introductory Mathematics and Computer Science Courses

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Essex Community College is implementing new curricula and pedagogical methods in several mathematics and computer science courses with the objective of having students adopt a more active role in the learning process. A classroom laboratory of Macintosh computers and additional student demonstration stations with projection devices for regular classroom use will be used to replace the lecture method by classroom and/or laboratory activities, for problem-driven experimentation and discovery in a wide variety of mathematics and computer science courses. Learning styles beneficial for female students will be emphasized, including use of cooperative learning groups, as 60% of ECC students are female. The department has prepared to adopt the Harvard Consortium calculus curriculum in all sections as they are offered, beginning with Calculus I. The NSF-funded Math Modeling/Precalculus Reform Project will be adopted in experimental sections, while control sections will continue to use a traditional precalculus curriculum. Use of a CAS will enable exploration of realistic problems, reduce emphasis on hand manipulations, and provide a visualization tool. NSF-funded Project Chance materials will be incorporated into statistics and mathematics for liberal arts courses. Students in mathematics for elementary education majors will explore NCTM standards-based materials, including technology appropriate for middle school algebra. Two new introductory computer science courses, in multimedia technology and Internet resources, will be offered. These and several existing computer science courses will be taught in a stimulating multimedia environment to increase student motivation, and also encourage use of, and develop familiarity with, computer technologies among students who depend upon the college for their computing experiences.