Interdisciplinary Computer Science and Mathematics

   Don Pierce, Chair of Mathematics, Western Oregon State College,  
       Monmouth, OR 97338
   Ed Wright, Director of Academic Computing, Western Oregon State College

Here at Western Oregon State College we have developed an interdisciplinary 
Computer Science and Mathematics course whose primary objective is to teach 
students to use mathematics and technologies in formulating and solving 
real-world problems. Mathematics and computer science are not treated as 
different disciplines but rather as tools that help us acquire, interpret and 
communicate information.  In this course, students use mathematics and computer 
technologies to formulate and solve real-world problems.   

Developed under the Oregon State System of Higher Education (OSSHE) grant--
Reforming the Teaching of Entry-Level Mathematics In The Electronic Age. In 
this project we developed a model for a technology intensive cooperative 
learning environment which has resulted in significant student learning gains, 
dramatically increased student retention (from 60% to 95%), and decreased 
instructional costs by 65%, (as demonstrated by a third-party assessment 
project).  Several other Oregon instutions are considersing adoption of our 
program.

Last spring we linked this new course with a introductory biology course and 
assessed student learning in a number of areas.  Fall 1996 we will complete 
this comprehensive assessment project--the preliminary results are very 
promising.  By January the assesment data will involve over 800 students.

Our paper will discuss the results of both assessment projects and attempt 
to show how the interdisciplinary nature of the course results in increased 
student engagement and learning.