Math instructors are just a click away for students in Walters State Community College’s pilot “Lecture on Demand” developmental studies courses.
     Two courses are offered in the format this fall for two courses, DSPM 0800 and 0850. Both are developmental studies, designed for students whose math skills may be a little rusty or students who have never felt confident in math.
     The new classes teach math by doing math. The class meets in a computer lab on a traditional schedule, but students can do work online.  And all of the class lessons can be viewed again at any time.
     “Lecture on Demand gives students many useful benefits,” said Dr. John LaPrise, dean of mathematics at Walters State. “Students can view lectures as often as needed. Students will also get quick feedback when doing homework problems.
     “The computer software program instantly points out if a problem has been solved correctly. If a problem is not correct, the software shows additional examples.”
     Students in “Lecture on Demand” classes also work at a flexible pace. Students needing both DSPM 0800 and 0850 can take them in one semester and move on to needed college math courses. Students only needing the second class can finish the semester early.  
     Lectures are prerecorded and viewed individually during or before class. This method frees up the professor to give one-on-one help during the class time.
     “I have more time to work with students individually. There’s actually more faculty interaction than in a traditional classroom,” said Chris Knight,” associate professor and coordinator for developmental studies math courses.
     This class is the latest in a series of efforts by Walters State’s Mathematics Division to make the subject more student-friendly. The division also offers express courses with block scheduling and Fast Track Math, which meets everyday.
     “We want to meet the individual needs of our students. We try to avoid the one-methodology-fits-all perspective. The student can choose which format works for his or her learning style,” Knight added.
     For more information, contact Knight at (423) 318-2774 or Chris.Knight@ws.edu.

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