Date Started: Jan 11, 1999
Status:Completed
Project Description
In May of 1999, the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center announced the recipients of the Curriculum Development Initiative awards for round three, CDI 3. The CDI 3 Review Committee received ten final proposals. Out of the ten final proposals, four grants were awarded.
Biology Department
The faculty of the Biology Department proposed to use IT to create a resource of learning modules on key biological concepts essential to every course taught by the department. These learning modules are easily accessible to all levels of students, both biology majors and non-majors and serve to emphasize course sequencing and enhance the continuity of the curriculum. A total of 24 learning modules were developed covering topics on cell and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, evolution and ecology. These modules serve as teaching supplements and learning aids to increase the students' competency in Biology.
Chemistry Department
The goal of this project was to extend Interactive Technology to upper level chemistry courses by establishing online Bridge Tutorials. These tutorials serve to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills from one level of education to the next in the science curriculum. The three courses targeted were
- the 2-semester organic chemistry course (sophomores),
- the 2-semester analytical chemistry courses (one in the junior year and the second in the senior year) and
- an advanced math tutorial (Maple) to the 2-semester physical chemistry (usually junior/senior level).
The Bridge Tutorials are available throughout the year for study and review, providing continuity and retention of materials. The second major effort involved the production of online videos addressing lab safety, good laboratory practices, and demonstrations of required experimental skills.
History Department (Russian and East European Studies)
The goal of this CDI was to enhance the curriculum of the Russian and East European Studies Program through the infusion of information technology. During the first stage existing curriculum was reconceptualized in light of the opportunities offered by IT. In the second phase, new mobile computing curriculum was developed for REESP. Concurrently, CDI funds were used to streamline administrative practices and to increase the visibility of REESP through the development of online resources.
Department of Occupational Therapy
The purposes of the project were threefold:
- design innovative instructional method for increasing clinical reasoning skills (CRS),
- assess the effects of the method on participating students and instructors and
- examine the benefit of the method for students and instructors, from the perspective of each group.
The method is based on integrating case-based learning in occupational therapy curriculum through the use of LearningSpace software to increase CRS. The project was comprised of three phases. In the first phase, case-based scenarios depicting fictional people was developed, pilot-tested, refined and implemented in two first year courses. The second phase added more specific information and related treatment issues to the scenarios in two additional courses, widening the curricular impact. Phase three used the case scenarios as an integral piece of the three year curricular progression, adding an additional two courses. Formative and summative evaluations provided by students, instructors and selected fieldwork educators were performed in order to assess the effectiveness of the project in increasing students' CRS.
