John Burchfield

john.burchfield@mtsu.edu

Marva Lucas

University Studies

Smart Classroom

KOM 104

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The University Studies Department offers four prescribed mathematics courses. In total, over 1500 students were served in 2020. All prescribed courses require the incorporation of technology in instruction to enhance student learning. Having computers immediately available to students in the classroom will increase student engagement and opportunities to learn course materials. Currently, no computer classrooms exist in the KOM building for scheduling prescribed math courses. In addition to the basic need for computer classrooms, we have begun to offer hybrid versions of prescribed courses (Math 1010-K) and (Math 1710-k). Hybrid courses offer flexibility to students, allowing them to work online while also providing face-to-face interactions with faculty and classmates. To date, we have had to rely on students bringing their own laptops to class or checking out departmental laptops shared with other faculty. This has been problematic for several reasons. Most problems are related to limited or unstable Wi-Fi access in the basement of KOM. However, one of the greatest programs is that the hybrid course is virtually unavailable to students who do not have a device or bring one to class. This proposal involves converting KOM104 into a computer classroom with computers on the periphery using existing tables as central workspace. Careful planning would allow this now traditional classroom to become a much needed computer classroom for faculty to provide active learning opportunities for students, as well as provide the opportunity to increase the number of hybrid courses offered through the department.