Ronald H. Henderson

rhenders@mtsu.edu

Ronald H. Henderson

Physics and Astronomy

Smart Classroom

WPS 201

N/A

N/A

Priority scheduling of Wiser-Patten Science 201 is shared between the departments of Physics & Astronomy, and Chemistry. This room currently serves 750 general education Physical Science Laboratory PSCI 1031 students each semester (26 students in 29 sections, on average), but classroom utilization is low for two reasons: 1) the facilities in the room are not sufficient for a science lecture class during open times (a single chalk board), and 2) labs have been scheduled every weekday, which makes it problematic to move equipment to accommodate lectures. A significant change has already been made in preparation for this TAF proposal that will increase classroom utilization and create room for lecture classes; all PSCI 1031 labs are scheduled on M, W, and F beginning fall, 2012. A master classroom renovation will now provide benefit for up to 1000 students each semester by providing new capabilities to the existing 750 PSCI 1031 students, and facilitating lecture courses in PHYS, CHEM, ASTR, and other disciplines on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The resulting 34 seat master classroom will allow laboratory sections to offer enriched content not previously available to PSCI 1031 students, including audio/visual interactions, the use of overhead presentations, and the ability to incorporate innovative learning technologies such as clickers. In addition, this master classroom will serve to bring the Wiser-Patton Science building up to the level of technology already available in the Davis Science building. The department chairs of Physics & Astronomy and Chemistry agree that this is a “win-win” proposal.