Part II: Learning Environment Analysis

Teachers
The teachers at Indiana State University who teach this course have, at minimum, a Masters
Degree in Math or other related subjects. There are typical courses, which meet in-person 2-3 times
a week, as well as hybrid and distance learning courses. Teachers with a background in educational
technology, as well as teachers with college mathematics background will be utilized in course
development.

Existing Curricula
The Math Department at Indiana State University uses a consistent curriculum that has been
approved as part of the Foundational Studies program. The Foundational Studies curriculum
provides common objectives for courses in various subject matters, focusing on problem-solving,
writing and speaking, and creating well-rounded individuals who are ready to take on the world
outside of the college environment. As a result, the curriculum for Math 102 includes objectives
that support and enhance students critical thinking skills, problem solving, and presentation skills.
This is tied into a mathematical quantitative reasoning approach through the 4th edition of the book,
Using and Understanding Mathematics by Bennett and Briggs. Projects are created as a way to
go beyond the classroom and apply the skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.

Target Learners
The new projects for this course will fit nicely with the current instruction in Math 102,
since we are simply revamping the current projects to be more relevant and applicable to real-world
situations, as well as helping students utilize and grow comfortable with technology. The projects
will draw from information taught in the course and allow students to take their knowledge to the

next level and apply it outside the classroom. Our learners will be from a diverse group of
undergraduate students at Indiana State University. There will be a variety of different races, ages,
college standing, and majors; this should be representative of the Indiana State University student
population as a whole.

Available Media
These projects will be presented as part of the Math 102 curriculum. It will have an online
and print component, making it accessible to a wide-variety of students. Technology such as Excel
will be required to complete these projects, as well as Internet access. Therefore, computers are
required in order to access and utilize this course. Indiana State University is a laptop institution,
meaning that all students at Indiana State University are required to have a laptop with Microsoft
Office (which includes Microsoft Excel). Internet access is provided for students wirelessly on
campus, as well as at many public locations including public libraries.

Organizational Climate
Indiana State University realizes the world is changing and, therefore, students need more
skills than ever before to help them make decisions in their lives and be well-rounded citizens. The
Mathematics Department, as well as the Foundational Studies Program, supports these skills by
establishing standard and clearly outlined learning goals.