Technology Access Fees Database

Dr. George Murphy

gmurphy@mtsu.edu

Dr. George Murphy

Biology

N/A

Primary use of the equipment would be in Davis Science Building rooms 116, 135, and 121.

New Technology

N/A

Four Lap Top Computers and Two 32" Televisions The computer equipment requested addresses two areas. First, fundamental to any technology based teaching approach is the use of computer-based presentations with software such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Instructors would be able to provide technology-based introductory presentations for each laboratory session that could be reviewed as needed by the students. Thus, text, outlines, drawings and even video could be used to introduce new areas and concepts in a format that would be directly student accessible. Secondly, the resource base of information and materials available in the CD format is expanding exponentially. For example, the textbook for our Human Anatomy and Physiology Courses (maximum enrollments of over 800 students/year) includes CD-ROM based study-aids. Access to these materials in the laboratory setting where the instructor can coordinate and guide student understanding of key concepts would provide an ideal learning environment. In addition, any computer-based materials used in course lectures would be available for student review. Since the acquisition of the original group of laptop computers, we have found that instructors are using these computers as was originally anticipated. Instructors are also increasing utilization of PowerPoint presentations for all regular courses in Biology due to the portability, flexibility and reliability of this equipment. An unanticipated, heavy use of the equipment by graduate students and senior undergraduate students to prepare and present material to each other via PowerPoint presentations in seminar classes and theses defenses is leading to a shortage in availability of the technology for both direct student use in seminars and labs and instructor use in labs and lectures. We are requesting four computers and two televisions so faculty will be able to work on presentations with two computers while at the same time other faculty are using two computers and televisions for classroom teaching. The most difficult aspect of Biology courses for most students, from physiology to ecology, is to comprehend the dynamics of living systems. The requested equipment would directly enhance student appreciation of biological principles in both the lecture and laboratory portions of a variety of courses including: Biology 308; Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology (120 students/year) Biology 313-314; Human Anatomy and Physiology (680 students/year) Biology 305; Parasitology (48 students/year) Biology 413/513; Histology (48 students/year) Biology 411; General Physiology and Biology 633; Principals of Physiology (96 students/year) Biology 423; General Ecology (120 students/year) Biology 432/532; Seminar: Advances in Biology (15 students/year) Biology 446/546; Human Genetics (20 students/year) Biology 664; Thesis Research (15 students/year) Biology 665 & 666; Seminar (30 students/year)