To improve undergraduate science teaching, Central Washington University is developing a computer-based Interactive Multimedia Laboratory. Although CWU is a comprehensive university it is also the main teacher-training institution in Washington state. Fully one-third of its graduates are prospective elementary/secondary school teachers, many of them women, who will serve urban and rural (often disadvantaged agricultural or timber-harvesting) communities. Since over 80% of these students take introductory anthropology courses the Interactive Multimedia Laboratory will be used primarily by the Department of Anthropology. The immediate target student population will consist of freshmen and sophomores enrolled in introductory archaeology. Supported by the National Science Foundation, CWU will acquire ten Macintosh LC microcomputers, plus peripheral hardware including interactive videotape, video disc, and CD-ROM players. Software will include Anthropology 3 (a HyperCard-based, EDUCOM award-winning system developed by archaeologist Brian M. Fagan, University of California at Santa Barbara). Adapting and enhancing this software, CWU faculty will transform their introductory courses from a traditional lecture-based format, to a learner-centered format emphasizing small-group discussion, problem-solving activity, critical thinking, and the exploration of multi-media databases and simulations. Anticipated future use of the lab includes an intensive summer program of interactive multi-media experience for in-service elementary/secondary science teachers.
