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Restructure of the Developmental Mathematics

Courses

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Background Redesigned courses: Developmental

Mathematics (DVMT) 101 and 110 Proposed change: replace part of lecture

with supervised web-based coursework Original goal: to improve DVMT pass rates Proposal submitted in Spring 2007 “Pre-pilot” in Fall 07 and pilot in Spring 08

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Report on Implementation Re-structured the DVMT courses Selected and custom-published the textbook Created electronic tests & assignments via web-

based “coordinator” courses Conducted pilot courses Conducted three training sessions Confirmed upcoming training sessions

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Achievements

Increased Part-time DVMT faculty participation Increased support from Full-time faculty Increased collaborative efforts because of

university wide awareness & commitment Established contacts with key personnel both

inside and outside the math department

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Achievements cont. Produced a working model for large-scale

implementation for Fall 08 Increased coordination with bookstore to

supply appropriate textbooks Identified various aspects of implementing

technology; pros & cons Increased departmental awareness of national

trends and best practices

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Program Support Department-level

Created task force Training sessions were well-attended

University-level Office of the Provost for lab space Academic Achievement Center for ULAs Library & Athletics helped install software

USM-level Workshops are informative Collaboration with other institutions

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Benefits for Students Immediate feedback Plenty of additional practice & stepwise

instruction Individualized study plan Online components increases accessibility Ability to email instructors with specific

questions Learning additional basic computer skills

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Benefits for Instructors Ability to share assignments & practice

problems Ability to tailor online component Better rapport with students Increased student responsibility for learning More confident & energized students Learning additional basic computer skills

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Challenges for Students

Cost and longevity of access codes Ability to log-in at various locations because of

software incompatibilities Entering answers using appropriate syntax

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Challenges for Instructors Reluctance of some students Getting students to register/log-on early Learning curve with the technology Adapting the technology to the teaching

style

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Concerns from Instructors Decreased lecture time Pacing the course Troubleshooting the technology Teaching load under the new structure Are students maximizing textbook usage?

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Quotes from Students“I have used tutoring before…it’s even better now

[because] the computer makes it easier for my tutor to focus on my problems”

“I hate this stupid thing because it keeps saying that I am wrong when I’m not”

“Can you turn on harder problems”

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Program Assessment

Initial Goal: to improve course pass rates Expanded Goal: to improve retention rates Incorporate best practices learned from

DEAM, NCAT, NADE & other organizations Collaborate with Institutional Research

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Toward the Future Create open computer lab Create testing center Address rising fees for software Address instructors’ concerns Improve program assessment Ensure adequate tech support Continue to provide workshops & trainings

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You Are Invited!

Course Redesign WorkshopFacilitator: Dr. Phoebe Rouse

Louisiana State University

When: Tuesday, July 8th time to be announced

Where: Towson University

RSVP: ASAP to 410-704-3093

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Special Thanks The University System of Maryland Office of the Provost for Towson University Hagerstown Community College Faculty & Staff