This new interdisciplinary computer classroom uses a network to link 24 student PCs, an instructor PC, a printer, a CD tower, and a file server. Several Windows statistics packages and databases are installed to support training and interactive learning. A separately cabled visual/audio communication system (VACS) permits the instructor to manipulate any or all student PC displays, anonymously share student displays, or share the instructor's VGA display. The VACS requires no software, is compatible with a variety of hardware, allows virtually instantaneous sharing of screens without resolution loss, and is well-suited for multimedia. The VACS allows real-time testing, formation of teams, audio communications, and video-to-VGA conversion. The interdisciplinary lab is shared by 21 courses in 5 departments to teach basic and advanced statistics classes, reaching over 1200 students per year. Innovative uses include helping students from several disciplines do original analyses using visualization and graphics; access large, meaningful databases; work in teams and interactive groups; make live computer presentations; and compare features of alternative statistical packages. The classroom enables faculty to conduct experiments in active learning with immediate feedback - regarded by educators as a key to improving understanding and retention.
