Successful implementation of an active learning laboratory in computer science

  • Authors:

  • Hossein Hakimzadeh;Raman Adaikkalavan;Robert Batzinger

  • Affiliations:

  • Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA;Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA;Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 39th annual ACM SIGUCCS conference on User services
  • Year:
  • 2011

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

There is ample evidence of positive impact of active learning on student learning, attitudes, critical thinking, and retention. The traditional lecture-style classrooms are not suitable for group interaction or activities. Having an appropriate classroom with proper technology to support active learning is essential. In order to foster easier group interaction and collaborative learning, the authors have designed and constructed a new active-learning classroom inspired by the SCALE-UP classroom design. The classroom is specifically designed for group activities. Students sit around a collaborative station (each station can have up to five members). Each station is equipped with a large display monitor attached to a computer. The classroom walls are used as whiteboards for group activities. The authors have developed various timed group activities specifically for this course to enhance student learning. In this presentation, we will discuss how the use of proper technology, an active learning classroom, along with proper pedagogical approach can enhance learning, foster group activities, promote peer learning, and improve retention in gateway science courses.