New equipment has been purchased with a technology grant for use in several courses.

LEWISTON – Paul Caron, PhD, assistant professor of education at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College, has been awarded a Faculty Technology Grant.

The grant was one of 12 awarded from 40 applications received by the USM Faculty Senate Committee. The grant will enable the college to purchase equipment such as laboratory interfaces, sensors, detectors and photogates that will enable students to increase the level of accuracy in data gathering, which will lead to better analysis and evaluation. In addition, the college will purchase software compatible with Handspring Visors that are already in use.

Caron noted that students in several courses will benefit from the new hardware.

The applied physics course designed primarily for the Collaborative Learning And School Success kindergarten through grade eight teacher preparation program has a methodology based on constructivist and experimental beliefs.

“This means that students are in a supportive hands-on environment where the manipulation of apparatus leads to higher levels of critical thinking,” Caron said.

The applied problem-solving mathematics course was developed specifically for the CLASS program. It is designed to introduce mathematical concepts and apply them in solving problems in various contexts. Similar to applied physics, the pedagogy is student oriented using physical models and tools to enhance the process of developing mathematical thinking from concrete to abstract levels of understanding and application.

“The ability to discover and create a personal understanding of science and mathematics requires a coordinated and accurate system of measuring apparatus,” noted Caron. “These materials will help create a supportive environment to achieve this by literally connecting to previously purchased items and future ones as well.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the CLASS teacher education program at L-A College is encouraged to contact Jim Bradley at 753-6618. An information session and open house for the program will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the college.