The concept of the Studio Classroom is not new to the world of computer-assisted learning. Now the Computing Center is offering a chance for classroom instructors to develop their own computer-assisted learning curriculum.
The Interactive Learning Team (ILT), as mentioned in last month's Benchmarks (Vol. 16 No. 2), is composed of Jenny Jopling, Eriq Neale, and Joseph Hoffmann. Together, they work to create multimedia presentations, tutorials, and other teaching tools to allow interactivity between the computer and the student.
Currently the group is working on creating an interactive computer program to be used in PHED 1000,Scientific Principles and Practises of Health-Related Fitness. In conjuction with the class instructor, Dr. Alan Jackson, they are developing a program that incorporates lecture notes, multimedia presentations, and even quizzes into a one-stop package students may use to supplement or even replace the classroom lecture.
The benefits of the Studio Classroom include more individualized student instruction, financial savings, and better comprehension and retension of the material presented. By using these tutorials the instructors free up valuable lecture time for question and answer sessions between the students and professors. In addition, the money saved by the lower need of Teaching Assistants offsets the cost of the program developement. Finally, studies at the Renselaer Polytechnic Institute show that students prefer and are better satisfied with studio classrooms (The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 31, 1995, p.A19)
Here at UNT, numerous projects are already being planned, developed, and implemented using computer-assisted instruction. The ILT currently is working on the aforementioned Wellness class program due to be implemented in testing by Spring of 1996. In addition, Dr. Jeffrey Fitzgerald and Bruce Hunter have recently opened the Center for Spatial Analysis and Mapping using a variety of cutting-edge environmental computer technology for instruction in the areas of geographical information systems(GIS). Dr. Larry Gleason is creating a tutorial for students of Art History Survey I and II that will assist them in the viewing of slides and provide for better studying techniques.
Like most new ideas these are not without problems. The most siginifcant seems to be the lack of properly equipped computer labs students can access. However, the development of these programs should create the demand needed to have the labs properly outfitted with the equipment needed for the multimedia presentations and interactive programs under development.
If you have an idea you would like to pursue, or simply have some questions about the ILT contact Jenny Jopling at x2324. She will be glad to discuss ideas, explain the procedures in more detail, and even work on finding funding if you would like for them to develop a program.
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