Alcorn Digital Learning Lab: Course Integration
Why Implement the Digital Learning Lab into your Couse?
Help engage your students with the course content by adopting the tools and technologies of the Digital Learning Lab! Students can develop digital technical skills and Maker Competencies through the use of innovative technologies that will benefit them as they continue through their Catawba College education and seek employment after graduation. Digital projects also create opportunities for students to learn to collaborate effectively, develop critical thinking skills and communication skills.
No matter the discipline, level of expertise, or technical/creative focus, we offer our knowledge and experience to help you integrate hands-on learning in your courses to accomplish your learning objectives. We can:
- -consult with you on your syllabus, course projects, and assignments
- -host a session for your class in the Digital Learning Lab in the CLB Library
- -provide project assistance to students to help them understand and complete hands-on assignments.
- -host final project presentations
- -provide free basic materials for projects involving the 3D printer, laser cutter, and Cricut
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Instructional Support Form
Maker Competencies
Look at the Maker Competencies below and see how they can align with your current course objectives and standards!
Course Implementation
Click on the tabbed courses below to read more about how Catawba Faculty members are incorporating the Digital Learning Lab into their curricula.
Course List
Faculty: Dr. Carmony Hartwig
Course Description: An introduction to the chemistry of cellular processes, to include protein conformation and function, the generation and storage of metabolic energy, and the biosynthesis of important cellular structures as the main themes. Students choose and manipulate a protein molecule in a 3D modeling software and print them on a 3D printer. Students develop a poster presentation using Canva and enhance it using BlippAR to make their poster presentations with a layer of augmented reality.
Pictured: (left) 3D printed protein before post-processing. (right) Student using their protein model during their poster presentation.
Faculty: Dr. ChaMarra Saner and Professor Brian Whitson
Course Description: A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry, including liquid/solid states, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, oxidation-reduction, and electrochemistry. Students learned about VSEPR geometry, chose a molecule, and modeled it within Tinkercad. Students learned about 3D printing and printer the molecule they created and painted elements and bonds accordingly.
Pictured: (left) Tinkercad model of molecules (right) Finished 3D printed molecule.
Faculty: Dr. Andrew Jacobson
Course Description: The exploration of the use of drones to capture physical objects and make digital twins from the photogrammetry data. Drone imagery of a specific location was complied to make a 3D model that was then printed. The digital twin was then uploaded to SketchFab where you can interact and experience the model in VR.
Pictured: Poster Presentation showing the process of scanning the Smokestack, 3D printing it and experiencing the model with a VR headset.
Faculty: Dr. Sarah Jackson
Course Description: A study of a topic selected by the department focusing on an area of particular interest within the discipline. Students demonstrated changes that took place at a location over time using and online software called Thinglink. Hotlinks were used to show narratives, videos, 360 images, and sources.
Pictured: Example of a ThingLink project with hotlinks.
Faculty: Dr. Christina Azmy
Course Description: The study of a selected topic from the fields of education focusing on specialized interests within the discipline. Students explored a wide array of technologies that are in education today including VR Headsets and coding robots.
Pictured: (left) Students evaluating VR apps for potential use in the classroom. (right) Gamification project using the laser engraver. (bottom) Coding a Misty robot in the DLL.
Faculty: Meredith Williams
Course Description: The study of the theory behind the development of instructional materials. Students identified a needs, gained empathy regarding the use of the technology in the DLL, and developed job aids to help future students use the technology.
Pictured: (left) An example job aid (center) Student placing job aid above technology (right) Students critiquing other jobs aids
Faculty: Dr. Jeremiah Nelson
Course Description: This is a course designed to challenge the student’s creative and innovative abilities. Students explored a wide array of technologies such as 3D Printing, Video editing, Podcasting, and Laser Engraving that can be applicable to many creative entrepreneurial endeavors. Students showcased their skills and innovation by creating a board game on a topic of their choosing.
Faculty: Dr. Andrew Jacobson
Course Description: An introduction to fundamentals of geographic information systems (GIS) & global positioning systems (GPS), and cover a variety of uses for geographic data. Students discussed methods and applications of geographic data into 3D printing, laser, and Virtual Reality technology.
Pictured: (left) Dr. Jacobson using a VR headset to experience the Shuford Science Building. (right) Students watching a demonstration of how GIS data is gathered utilizing drone data. (bottom) A mountain made from elevation data, cardboard, and the laser engraver.
Faculty: Dr. Jennifer Klebaur
Course Description: A survey of the anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological processes of the nervous system as these influence behaviors. Students were to teach a concept using a physical artifact that they created using any combination of technologies in the Digital Learning Lab.
Pictured: (left) 3D printed hands, spine section, and brain wired to LEDs and batteries to simulate functioning and non-functioning nerves. (right) Brain diagram developed on the laser engraver.
Faculty: Dr. Barry Sang
Course Description: An introduction to documents, developments, literature, structures, and origins or the New Testament and Far Eastern Religions. Students we exposed to a variety of religious locations (past and present) through the lens of immersive virtual reality experiences.
Pictured: Students receiving VR Training and exploring different locations around the world.
Faculty: Professor David Loudermilk
Course Description: An in-depth study of the fundamental necessities of self-management for the actor to include finding and developing your brand, creating marketing and business plans, networking, and developing strategies for auditioning for stage, film, and television. Students used the greenscreen video studio and microphones to develop short clips and commercial voiceovers for mock submission.
Pictured: Students using the 4K camera in the video studio.
Faculty: Professor David Pulliam
Course Description: A practical study of the fundamentals of stage managing. Students interviewed cast members in a podcast style and released episodes publicly before productions.
Pictured: Students learning to use the microphones with Anchor FM on the iPads.
Faculty: Professor David Loudermilk
Course Description: A practical study of the fundamentals of directing. Students utilized VR headsets to watch a 360 production of Hamlet.
Pictured: Students using Oculus Quests 2 to view a production
