Name:
Student research hub for quantitative and qualitative data analysis
FiscalYear:
2018
Audience:
Arts & Letters, College of
Submitter:
Branaman, Ann
Budget Manager:
Dimaggio, Kathleen M.
Project Manager:
Topple, Gregory L.
Narrative
The Sociology Department is requesting funding from the technology fee to transform a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) office into a Student Hub/Computer Hub for quantitative and qualitative research, peer mentoring and tutoring. This project includes upgrading the 15 existing 3rd-generation computers with new computers capable of running quantitative and qualitative software. The existing computers, the oldest models in the college, are serviced by the IT department in the College of Arts & Letters. Every department major must complete either a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research course. The need for enhanced equipment and programs was recently demonstrated when a student, unable to find the programs required at FAU, drove to her undergrad university to complete her research project. The Student Hub, with its upgraded equipment and software, will address the research needs of all students. The department has recently committed to a Writing-Enhanced Curriculum (WEC) initiative which impacts each of the 52 courses offered per semester at both the Boca Raton and the Davie campuses. Peer mentoring is offered to over 3000 undergraduate students per semester. The peer mentors hold specific hours to assist these students with their writing assignments. In addition to peer mentors, the department has 18 GTAs who offer tutoring and assistance to all undergrads enrolled in sociology courses. The Student Hub will serve as a location for peer mentoring and tutoring by GTAs. Finally, the Student Hub can be used to train faculty in STATA, Atlas.ti, SPSS and other computer applications with which they may need assistance and training. Along with the existing smart-classroom technology in CU 249, we will use the two rooms for a student computer lab and methodological training.
