Proposal

Name:

VerMat - a Versatile Mathematics Lab

FiscalYear:

2016

Audience:

Science, College of

Submitter:

Cimillo, Emily

Budget Manager:

Blanchard, Dominique

Project Manager:

Steinwandt, Rainer

Proposal Approvers

Dept. Chair:

Steinwandt, Rainer

Local IT:

Paredes, Jaime A.

Dean:

Blanks, Janet

Facilities:

N/A

OIT:

Bagdonas, Joseph A.

Proposal Funding

Year 1:

$ 137,455.23

Year 2:

$ 2,500.00

Year 3:

$ 2,500.00

Total:

$ 142,455.23

Proposal Funding versus Average

Questionnaire

Narrative
Through service courses like MAC 1105 College Algebra and STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics, the Department of Mathematical Sciences routinely teaches a four-digit number of FAU students – enrollment in a single service course routinely exceeds the mark of 1000 students /semester. To teach these courses, computer labs play an essential role. For a statistics course like STA 2023 Introduction to Statistics, the use of computers is essential, in order to equip students with the possibility of hands-on manipulation of data sets. In view of the high demand for service courses in Mathematics and Statistics, FAU’s available computer lab capacity is insufficient, resulting in frustration about missing seats. Therefore, we request to expand the computer lab in SE 340/350 by about 45 seats and to make it more suitable for teaching and learning. The expected number of impacted students is more than 1,000, as the room is expected to be in full use most of the day to meet the demand for courses in Mathematics and Statistics. The needed space (room SE 330) has already been secured, and the construction to connect SE 330 with SE 340/350 in an adequate manner with glass doors has been completed. Even the needed furniture is already installed in the room. What is requested in this proposal is funding for the missing pieces to bring the lab to full use: (1) 50 computer workstations (2) Ten 75-inch screens to be mounted in SE 330/340/350 (3) Three cameras (one for each of SE 330, SE 340, SE 350) (4) Necessary software license upgrades for the increased lab capacity Why are the screens needed? The shape of the room (long and narrow) makes it infeasible for an instructor to explain and discuss material on a centralized screen or board. Streaming all material on each individual workstation is not practical, in particular when students should work with their software based on what is explained and discussed by the instructor. We considered an option with retractable screens in each of the three rooms, but (apart from blocking connecting doors) students sitting on the side of the room would have insufficient view. Having multiple screens mounted throughout the space is the adequate solution, creating a versatile space for hands-on education and training in Mathematics and Statistics. Why are the cameras needed? Attempts of cheating regrettably do occur in examinations, and proctoring exams with limited personnel resources in a computer lab of this size and shape is challenging. Using a camera in each of the room will enable lab personnel to proctor effectively and to uphold FAU’s Code of Academic Integrity.
Facilities
N/A
Hardware Requirements
(1) 50 computer workstations (2) Ten 75-inch screens to be mounted in SE 330/340/350 (3) Three cameras (one for each of SE 330, SE 340, SE 350)
Software Requirements
Annual maintenance for the following software will keep software up to date: DeepFreeze - approximately $500 NetSupport - approximately $2,000
Personnel Costs
N/A
Other Costs
N/A
Timeline
Upgrades will take place over the summer, to accommodate Fall 2017 classes.
Sustainability
Equipment for the lab is a one-time purchase. The department will make an effort to maintain software licenses after TechFee funding has expired. To maintain up to date software, future purchases of software upgrades may be required.
Resource Matching
The Department of Mathematical Sciences will continue to provide student support for lab assistants and AMP lab coordinator.
Implementing Organization
OIT will assist in the installation of the projection system; Public Safety will assist in the installation of the security cameras; and our college's IT team will assist with the installation of the Dell computers.

Proposal Budget

Fiscal Year 1 Fiscal Year 2 Fiscal Year 3 Total
Hardware One-Time $ 134,955.23 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 134,955.23
Hardware Recurring $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Software One-time $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Software Recurring $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 7,500.00
Personnel One-time $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Personnel Recurring $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Other One-time $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Other Recurring $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Totals $ 137,455.23 $ 2,500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 142,455.23

Supporting Documentation

Filename Size Description
Bld 43 Rm 330 340 350 Camera Install 11-29-2016.pdf 31,109b Quote for surveillance cameras from Public Safety.
Dell Quote 100216.pdf 349,632b Dell Computers
SiteSurvey_PartsList_BocaSE330_340_350.pdf 266,963b OIT Quote for projection system