Download - 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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Rose-Hulman at a glance - 2Rose-Hulman at a glance - 2
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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Rose-Hulman at a glance - 3Rose-Hulman at a glance - 3
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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Curricular use - general - 3Curricular use - general - 3
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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Curricular use - general - 4Curricular use - general - 4
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 use - general - 5Curricular use - general - 5
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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Classrooms, Network and other Classrooms, Network and other infrastructure - 5infrastructure - 5
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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Classrooms, Network and other Classrooms, Network and other infrastructure - 6infrastructure - 6
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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Classroom management - 2Classroom management - 2
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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Classroom management - 3Classroom management - 3
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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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 4- answers - 4
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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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 5- answers - 5
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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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 6- answers - 6
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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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 7- answers - 7
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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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 7- answers - 7
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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Issue Bin &Questions Issue Bin &Questions - answers - 7- answers - 7
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.