Academic Success Center :: Examples of Innovation in the Incubator Classroom

Scenario: Comparing Different Media

Poetry Professor Alan Soldofsky engages students in critical analysis of poetry and how to write in different verse forms.

Unlike traditional English courses, Professor Alan Soldofsky strives to bring the process of poetry reading, analysis and creation to life. By utilizing 3 screens in the classroom, he was able to integrate audio, pictures and video into a single immersive learning experience. Students collaborate digitally using blogs to author, comment and revise original works of poetry inside and outside of class.

To lead his discussions, Professor Soldofsky plays audio recordings of the original poets reading their works, uses one screen to display the text of the poem, and another screen to present images and video evocative of the poem’s content. Students author during in class workshops and receive digital feedback from peers to help them craft their poems before final review and presentation.

Scenario: Digitally Sequenced Learning—3D Animation/Illustration

Utilizing a SMART Board digital white board, Professor John Clapp
Before coming to the Incubator Classroom, Animation/Illustration Professor John Clapp used to teach his students 3-D illustration using a chalkboard. While he was a master at drawing a free-hand straight line, his students struggled to simultaneously reproduce his image, and take notes on the process. Students would routinely leave the classroom and struggle with the assignment because they could not figure out a specific step in the progression.

Professor Clapp revolutionized his teaching by using a SMART Board, a digital white board that allows him to draw digitally, create a series of pages illustrating the progression from beginning to end. He is also able to record all of his work in video form, which can be distributed as a podcast that highlights the difficult portions of the process. All of his information is available for students at the end of class accessible from the classroom server.

Students have reported that they are better able to focus on the illustration process instead of trying to simultaneous observe, take notes, and reproduce the drawing in class. Beig able to refer back to the digital notes gives students the freedom to concentrate on Professor Clapp’s instruction and produce better end products.

Scenario: Interact with Remote Experts

Industrial Design students consult with a French design firm by taking advantage of the Incubator Classroom’s videoconferencing tools.
Professor Leslie Speer wanted to provide students with an authentic experience in her Advanced Studio in Industrial Design. Teaming up with the French firm Legrand, Speer had students work on designs for residential power and information solutions. Teams paired up with employees at Legrand to develop concepts, troubleshoot issues, and build prototypes.
The videoconferencing system allowed for students to meet with their French collaborators several times throughout the semester, which gave students a real flavor for working in a global consulting market. "Providing students exposure to distance and geographic location differences was key in making this experiment work. Often in the classroom, students are unaware of the world outside. Having the video conferencing ability in the classroom allowed multiple 'check-in' points during the term, without disrupting project progression. The students gained insights into the way a 'client' thinks and were able to respond quickly, in almost real-time, to the feedback. The experience gave new meaning to the term 'instant gratification', something our students thrive on and use to accelerate their learning."
Collaboration with a multinational company provided real-world experience for students working under tight deadlines and meeting client demands. For a final review, students posted their work throughout the classroom and the cameras zoomed on each project
Scenario: Annotating Digital Media on Screen

Scenario: Digital Brainstorming and Collaboration
--efficiency of student and instructor time
--group collaboration and capture of visual and written brainstorming ideas

Scenario: GIS Mapping and Digital Interaction