Why is learning technology important in IMPULSE?
The IMPULSE faculty believe that the speed and other capacities of computer-based technology are critical to the success of this program. In particular, the technology enables instructors to perform laboratory demonstrations sufficiently rapidly that there is time for discussion of concepts and interpretation of results. The technology also enables students to carry out experiments and perform data analysis within a reasonable amount of class time. For example, as Nick Pendergrass (electrical and computer engineering) explained, A student goes in front of the class and drops a ball. A camera records the path of the ball; a frame grabber records the activity onto a computer; the data is transferred into an Excel worksheet. Students plot position versus time, calculate quantities like velocity, acceleration, and so forth. In one class period, they can do this five times if they want. That’s what technology does in the classroom – it allows you to accelerate the learning process. But does
