Virginia Tech Math Emporium Visit March 2007 of

Virginia Tech Math Emporium Visit – March 2007 of 14

Located in a strip mall about 10 walking minutes from campus. 2 of 14

Serves as “anchor store” of the mall. 3 of 14

Entrance 4 of 14

Reception/security area - The Emporium is open 24 hours 7 days a week. 5 of 14

540 IMacs available, not only for math students. 6 of 14

A “moveable” section of the Emporium is used for proctoring exams. 7 of 14

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. 8 of 14

The acoustics allow for conversations without disturbing neighboring students. 9 of 14

• 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) 10 of 14

• 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) 11 of 14

• 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… 12 of 14

• 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. 13 of 14

• 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 14 of 14