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Virginia TechMath Emporium

Visit – March 2007

2 of 14Located in a strip mall about 10 walking minutes from campus.

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Serves as “anchor store” of the mall.

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Entrance

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Reception/security area - The Emporium is open 24 hours 7 days a week.

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540 IMacs available, not only for math students.

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A “moveable” section of the Emporium is used for proctoring exams.

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A “pod” consists of six workspaces, each with adjoining desk areas.Students ask for assistance by placing the red cup on top of their computer.

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The acoustics allow for conversations without disturbing neighboring students.

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• Started in 1996

• Championed by Mike Williams, Math Professor and (at the time) Director of VT’s IT department

• Initial motivation: Financial crisis at VT

• First course: Matrix Algebra freshman course for Engineering students

• Supported by the National Center for Academic Transformation (NCAT)

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• Completely on-computer/online – no classes except for a short orientation session in the first week of classes

• Considerable cost savings

• Student success and retention somewhat similar to traditional classes; format does not seem very popular with students

• Problem: topics of high conceptual demand (e.g., eigenvalues/eigenvectors)

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• Support personnel (UG and GR students, instructors, professors) available Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to midnight.

• Teaching credit formula: 1 TLC = 2 hours on the “floor”.

• One helper for every 24-30 students• Software and coursework developed in-

house.• Needs careful planning – IT, crisis

management protocols, lab has raised floor…

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• Students can work at home on their computer or in the Math Emporium.

• Students can take unlimited un-proctored practice quizzes.

• Frequent deadlines for completion of proctored quizzes and exams to prevent student procrastination.

• Quizzes and Exams are random-generated and multiple choice.

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• As of today the following courses are “taught” in this format:– Matrix Algebra– College Algebra– Precalculus– Calculus for Business and Life Sciences– Next: Mathematics for Architecture

• Considered “worthwhile” when enrollment exceeds 500 students per year.

• Not used for the Engineering Calculus sequence