M.I.T. just figured it out...
"The physics department has replaced the traditional large introductory lecture with smaller classes that emphasize hands-on, interactive, collaborative learning. Last fall, after years of experimentation and debate and resistance from students, who initially petitioned against it, the department made the change permanent. Already, attendance is up and the failure rate has dropped by more than 50 percent."
Collaborative learning is a very wise thing to do. I use Google Docs in my second year Microbiology class. I have labs that connect directly to the theory taught in my lectures and I have very good retention. MIT is going the Camosun way with smaller classes. Unfortunately, not smaller tuitions.
Source: NY Times
