Virginia Tech
Course Title: Linear Algebra
Contact: John Rossi
Virginia Tech redesigned its Linear Algebra course to improve learning-success rates and increase retention of material for later use by offering more options for self-directed study than were possible in traditional lecture-and-lab-based courses. Enrolling about 1500 students in the fall term and 500 in the spring term, the course redesign involved replacing the 40-student section model with one large course structure in VT's Math Emporium, a 500-work station computer lab, staffed by faculty, teaching assistants and undergraduate peer tutors who provide one-to-one onsite help. A Web-based resource system (interactive tutorials, computation examples, an electronic textbook, and online quizzes) increased student feedback and allowed 24 x 7 access to course materials. The redesign plan was expected to result in a cost-per-student reduction from $91 to $27, a projected annual operating cost reduction of more than $128,180. The results of the completed redesign can be found by following the links listed below under Final Report.
Initial Planning (as of 7/1/99)
Interim Progress Report (as of 12/31/00)
- Improving the Quality of Student Learning
- Labor Saving Techniques
- Course Development Issues
- Implementation Issues
- Dissemination
Final Report (as of 12/31/01)
- Impact on Students
- Impact on Cost Savings
- Lessons Learned
- Pedagogical Improvement Techniques
- Cost Savings Techniques
- Implementation Issues
- Sustainability
Program in Course Redesign Quick Links:
Program In Course Redesign Main Page...
Lessons Learned:
Round 1...
Round II...
Round III...
Savings:
Round I...
Round II...
Round III...
Project Descriptions:
Sorted by Discipline...
Sorted by Model...
Sorted by Success...
Sorted by Grant Rounds...
