1 laptop program at rose-hulman presentation to stevens institute of technology march 10, 1999

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Laptop Program at Laptop Program at Rose-HulmanRose-Hulman

Presentation to Stevens Institute of Technology

March 10, 1999

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NotesNotes

items in yellow - unresolved issues items in red - items added after the visit

prompted by the discussion during the visit

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PresentersPresenters

Allen Broughton - Mathematics Aaron Klebanoff - Mathematics Julia Williams - Technical Comunication Dan Hatten - Physics

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Outline - 1Outline - 1

Rose-Hulman at a glance Computer in the classroom - pre-laptop Computer in the classroom - current

situation Why we do it. Curricular use - general Curricular use - in departments

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Outline - 2Outline - 2

Classroom pictures Classroom, lab and network infrastructure Laptop management and technical support Software suite Computer orientation Classroom Management Issue bin and Questions

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Rose-Hulman at a glance - 1Rose-Hulman at a glance - 1

private, undergraduate college, 1600 mathematics, science and engineering students– civil, chemical, computer and electrical,

mechanical– mathematics, chemistry, physics &applied

optics, computer science and applied biology – strong humanities department

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teaching is the primary function small graduate programs commitment by almost all to a strong presence

of computing in the curriculum– faculty, administration, students, board of trustees,

alumni strong students, many arrive computer literate primarily residential

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member of Foundation Coalition – major impact encourages computer use– some funding– curricular development

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Computer in the classroom - Computer in the classroom - pre-laptop historypre-laptop history

Courses: started 10 years ago, in special calculus sections, then the Integrated Curriculum, then all Calculus and Differential Equations courses

Hardware: five 30-seat fixed base NeXT classrooms and network.

Software: various computer algebra systems tried: Macsyma, Mathematica, Maple

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Computer in the classroom - Computer in the classroom - current laptop situation - 1current laptop situation - 1

All students now have laptops and extensive software suites

23 classrooms equipped for laptop use– network and power for students– computer projection for faculty

network connections and resources in many convenient locations– all offices, dorm rooms, many labs

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Computer in the classroom - Computer in the classroom - current laptop situation - 2current laptop situation - 2

many more participants in the use of computing inside and outside of class– all freshman and sophomore mathematics– engineering graphics– many freshman chemistry, physics, composition

classes– sophomore engineering science classes– many junior and senior classes– laboratories for data acquisition

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Why we do it - why computers?Why we do it - why computers?- 1- 1

why use a computer?– better conceptualizing, especially visualization– concentrate on concepts and problem solving, not

“by hands” computation– work on computationally intensive problems

infeasible with paper and pencil– discovery learning and projects – computers and advanced software will be the

tools that students use upon graduation

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Why we do it - why computers?Why we do it - why computers?- 2- 2

why use a computer?– electronic communication, in all forms– simulation and design using modern computer

tools

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Why we do it - why laptops? - 1Why we do it - why laptops? - 1

Commitment to ubiquitous, mobile computing– classroom– laboratory– dorm room

student ownership of the computing device– students are more comfortable with the laptop

uniform computing environment

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Why we do it - why laptops? - 2Why we do it - why laptops? - 2

transfer computer upgrade costs directly to student users

concentrate on technical support and infrastructure support

laptops are now powerful enough to serve as the base of most student computing

more bang for the buck from a ubiquitous computing perspective

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Curricular use - general -1Curricular use - general -1

Core Curriculum– mathematics 5-6 courses of calculus, differential

equations, matrix algebra and statistics– physics 2-3 courses of introductory physics– chemistry 1-2 courses– humanities and social sciences 1 core 8-electives,

some Tech Comm– graphical communications - 1 2hr course– computer science - 1 2hr course

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Curricular use - general - 2Curricular use - general - 2

Curricular themes using laptop– lots of project work and team based activities– presentations (power point)– electronic communication– technical communication (project reports etc.)– course web pages

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greatest in-class use in lower division– more need to teach the student how to use

software tools in a curricular context – greater prevalence of laptop supported, active

learning “lab-like”, experiences in lower division courses

– lower division students have the more powerful laptops (this will be smoothed out soon when all students have pentiums). Put this in the issue bin

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upper division use– students are assumed to have learned how to use

computers and software– some instruction - in context - is given, or

handouts – faculty: not as much experience in a computer

intensive curriculum at this level– now that all students have laptops, upper

division use is growing

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curricular change management– previous development had a “wild west” flavour,

many initiatives encouraged, technology, subject integration, active learning, teaming, project work

– moving towards coordinating curriculum with a maturation of the various components cited above

– now grappling with assessment of these initiatives (issue bin item)

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Use by departments - Use by departments - mathematicsmathematics

extensive in class use in the first six math courses, used in exams.

significant use in all other courses, classroom demonstrations, extensive use by students but not necessarily in class

tests are a combination of paper and pencil and laptop assisted exams

full support of math faculty

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Use by departments - physicsUse by departments - physics

symbolic computation and visualization using Maple in several courses (mathematics boost)

data acquisition and analysis using Excel Matlab in image processing CodeV in Applied Optics Working Model for simulation solid though not universal use

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Use by departments - chemistryUse by departments - chemistry

lab data analysis - Excel some data aquisition planned molecular modeling in sophomore courses

- Spartan solid though not universal use

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Use by departments - Use by departments - computer sciencecomputer science

programming environment - standard application

planned use as a terminal to UNIX environment

extensive use in project work universal use of laptop and other platforms

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Use by departments - Use by departments - humanitieshumanities

English composition technical communication Japanese language computation in economics

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Use by departments - Use by departments - electrical engineeringelectrical engineering

Matlab in Controls, DSP, image processing Pspice and Maple in circuits Logic Works in freshman logic design current and planned use for lab data

aquisition presentation extensive use in senior design project work

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Use by departments - Use by departments - mechanical engineeringmechanical engineering

graphical communications and freshman design

computer applications course Excel for various types of simulations Matlab in controls Working model in dynamics

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Use by departments - Use by departments - civil engineeringcivil engineering

Autocad computer applications course presentations some upper divisions specialized software

used, not necessarily on laptops

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Use by departments - Use by departments - chemical engineeringchemical engineering

Matlab in controls Excel and Maple in “meatballs” Aspen in process design and “meatballs”

New Olin ClassroomNew Olin ClassroomFaculty -student interactionFaculty -student interaction

Student - Student interactionStudent - Student interaction

Crapo ClassroomCrapo Classroom

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Classroom, Network and other Classroom, Network and other infrastructure - 1 infrastructure - 1

23 net worked classrooms many labs networked and have capability

for data acquisition interface modules for laptops under

planning stages networking supports 10 megabits, most

new wiring supports 100 megabits,

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Classroom, Network and other Classroom, Network and other infrastructure - 1.1infrastructure - 1.1

Network used for internet access and class materials not for access to software

network need not always be used, but is very handy

power should be available for laptops, we quickly dismissed running on battery power

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Classroom, Network and other Classroom, Network and other infrastructure - 2infrastructure - 2

extensive Novell network– ubiquitous printing

– all students have decent quotas

– distribution of class materials AFS network for UNIX computing and web

services– all students have AFS accounts with decent quotas

– distribution of class material through web pages - usage increasing

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Classroom, Network and other Classroom, Network and other infrastructure - 2.1infrastructure - 2.1

Network is centrally administered by Water Computing Center

Very few departmental networks

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Classroom, Network and other Classroom, Network and other infrastructure - 3infrastructure - 3

Several PC labs and classrooms still exist Several “high end” UNIX computing labs

exist – combination of workstations, compute servers

and file servers – laptop access through telnet– and eventually through X-window client

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Classrooms, Network and other Classrooms, Network and other infrastructure - 4infrastructure - 4

New construction: Olin Foundation gift dimensions #classrooms = 8 seating capacity = 40 format = tables and moveable chairs desktop sqft/student @ capacity = 7.5 sqft cost = $3,000,000/8 lots of equipment - 2 projectors

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Upgrade with new furniture #classrooms = 5 dimensions = about 30X27 seating capacity = 31-35 desktop sqft/student @ capacity = 7.5 sqft format = tables and moveable chairs cost = about $15,000 -20,000 per room one projector -labour not included

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Power and network upgrade #classrooms = 9 dimensions = about 30x27 format = long benches with seats bolted to the floor seating capacity = 40-45 (crammed in) desktop sqft/student @ capacity = 4sqft cost = about $10,000 -15,000 m or less one projector labour not included

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Classrooms, Network and other Classrooms, Network and other infrastructure - 6.1infrastructure - 6.1

In the three previous types of classrooms– the first type is most expensive because a new

building was built

– the second type is remodel with purchase of new furniture

– the third type is remodel and wire with out purchase of furniture

The first type is very nice and the second type is adequate, the third type is not liked by the faculty

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Laptop program management Laptop program management and technical support -1and technical support -1

Quasi hands-on management by VP of Planning and Data Systems (all administrative and academic computing).

Laptop Coordinator reports directly to the VPPDS. VPPDS chairs laptop committee charged with annual

laptop selection and Software Suite selection faculty and computer technicians on Laptop

committee

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Laptop program management Laptop program management and technical support - 2and technical support - 2

Technical support that is completely or partially dedicated to laptop program– coordinator– 2 hardware and repair specialists– Novell network manager (partial)– software specialist (partial)– helpdesk operator (partial)– many students: repair, setup, helpdesk, gopher

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Laptop program management Laptop program management and technical support - 3and technical support - 3

Office and repair space to support the above

Parts inventory Loaner inventory

– if a student’s computer fails they get a loaner– loaners are now older machines bought from

students who withdraw

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Software suite - 1 Software suite - 1

specified by Laptop Committee - faculty and staff

applications used in freshman year or used universally

integrated and configured by Software specialist cost recovery from students, site license

discounts - negotiated by WCC Employee $2500 street value for $200-400 /student

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Software suite - 2Software suite - 2

Suite is preinstalled, available for reinstall from CDROM or RHASP software server

Basic Software list– Windows 95 & MS Office– Novell Client– Netscape Communicator (mail)

Curricular applications– Maple, MS C++, Working Model, Autocad

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Software Suite - 3Software Suite - 3

Other Applications – available from network, or – part of a book purchase(e.g. LogicWorks), or– downloadable from RHASP Server e.g., Matlab,

Minitab Curricular applications in Software suite only

include application used in the freshman year or that are agreed to by all as useful or universally used

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Computer Orientation - 1Computer Orientation - 1

early distribution of 40- laptops in Fast Track program (mid-July)

laptop orientation program - – part of new student orientation – distribution – computer orientation– ethics

various levels, depending on computer literacy

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Computer Orientation - 2Computer Orientation - 2

web-based, interactive, done in pairs done by faculty with modest honorarium goal is familiarize students with

– basic computer functions and – RHIT network, internet, email and print

services– computer care and help procedures

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Classroom management - 1Classroom management - 1

Laptop can be a distraction especially if internet is available

have active cooperative learning exercises involving laptop - circulate in room to ask/answer questions and keep students on task

students can close (or nearly close the lids) during “listen up” time

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There is setup and take down time have introductory and summatory activity for the

beginning and end of the class that doesn’t necessarily involve the laptop– (if student’s can listen and read email at the same time

they can listen and set up the laptop at the same time make plugging simple for both faculty and students

– eventually they can get the machine physically set up in about a minute

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make plugging simple for both faculty and students– eventually they can get the machine physically set up in

about a minute they can do other things while the machine boots

good, uniform software configuration can make things much simpler

cooperative activities reduce “computer anxiety” and reduce problem of student with “out of action computers

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Issue Bin &QuestionsIssue Bin &Questions - issues - 1 - issues - 1

Why a laptop if you have P.C.s? Insurance, payment and security Use the laptop during testing? Four year plan or 2-year lease plan? Freshman always have a better laptop than the

seniors. Document that the laptop (computer) improves

learning.

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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - issues - 2- issues - 2

How much AV equipment? Classroom readiness Changing one year to the next

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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers -1- answers -1

Why a laptop?– Discussed previously under ubiquitous

computing.

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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 2 - answers - 2

Insurance, payment and security– factory warranty plus 4’th year warranty for

additional cost– quarterly fee or direct purchase– Rose is a safe campus, but we do take

precautions, and we wish the students would do so as well

– lockers near the cafeteria

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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 3- answers - 3

Four year plan or 2 & 2 plan– four year plan - one computer for four years– 2 & 2, lease for 2 years with an option to upgrade

after 2 years– 2-year lease plan addresses technology

obsolescence better – 4 year plan is cheaper– obsolescence after 4 years is becoming less of a

problem, now that laptops are half-decent

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Freshman always have a better laptop than upperclassmen– computer needs are more extensive for many

seniors– 2 &2 plan solves this issue though it is

expensive– have a RAM and hard-disk upgrade path

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Measures that document that the laptop (computer) improves learning– the measures must be consistent with the

learning goals of a computer rich environment– not every goal will be enhanced by the laptop,

sometimes the laptop will not be used – we are struggling with this issue

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How much AV equipment?– 1 projector works in most cases though you may want

some rooms with two– arrange the screen so that it doesn’t kill board space

(corner)– overhead projector is useful as well– standard whiteboards get used as well

Helpers in the classroom?– No, we don’t have them– don’t appear to be needed if 25 students or less

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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 6.1- answers - 6.1

Portable equipment – have some available– permanent in the laptop classroom

A reliable, functional, simple projector outlay will be better used – mount projector on ceiling, – don’t let people fool with the settings, – use a remote to turn it on

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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 6.2- answers - 6.2

Make the layout for the instructor simple– plug ins for video, power, network should be

right at the instructors station– this is all the instructor should have to do to get

set up The instructor will still use the board, and

overheads in addition to the computer. We have never thought of using T.V.s

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Projector Obsolescence – laptop compatibility– not as much of a problem now– old models supported 640-480– newer models support 800-600 or higher– projector have “caught up” with common

screen resolutions – we are upgrading this year.

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Classroom readiness– does stuff work when you turn it on– is it compatible– make a high official responsible for this– hire people to carry out the work

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Changing from one year to the next– problem first year 486, small hard-drive, no

CD-ROM– changes are now more incremental– faculty laptops can be a year or so different

than the students you teach– try to maintain software compatibility– got easier after Windows 95 introduced.

1 laptop program at rose-hulman presentation to stevens institute of technology march 10, 1999

Documents

u teaching

u private

glance u computer

computer literate u

u rosehulman

alumni u strong students

faculty u network connections

notes notes u items