In a traditional college classroom, the teacher wrote things on the blackboard and gave lectures with students expected to memorize the information in order to pass tests. But that is no longer the best way to teach college students, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, and it isn’t the type of education most needed in today’s knowledge economy.

Jackson State University recently received a $2.98 million First in the World grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help faculty develop better teaching techniques that employ the use of information technology to promote engagement, collaboration and experiential learning. The goal of the shift in teaching techniques is to stimulate enthusiasm among minority students — who are scarce in STEM careers–about studying STEM fields as a path to good employment.

Jackson State wins grant to shift teaching skills to align with cyber learning