Category: Academics

Math is part of the curriculum for all SC4 students, no matter which program they choose. While some students are intimidated by math, Professor Paul Bedard helps make math fun as he absolutely loves teaching the subject! He is looking forward to seeing students in person soon and shares some insight to help them get ready for fall semester.

“Face-to-face teaching allows me to see the wrinkle of frustration between their eyes resolve into comprehension,” said Bedard. “I can’t wait to hear them excitedly debating ideas outside my office.”

SC4 offers math courses for all academic programs and skill levels, from review of basic operations, math literacy, foundations of math to intermediate and advanced courses like algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and differential equations.

Professor Bedard shares that like many students, he initially struggled with math too. His approach to teaching is to help students see math not as a burden but as opportunity. “It’s not about being right or being fast, it’s about opening up, taking a risk, and making the universe give up its secrets.”

For Professor Bedard, teaching is the privilege of being part of so many intellectual adventures, discoveries, and moments of truth. “I love to encourage students to see past their fears and self-doubt and take a leap.”

His advice to new students is to take a moment, breathe, and realize this is the only time in your life when thinking, talking, reading, discovering, exploring, and experimenting will be your main job. “Question everything. Be bold. Have fun. Demand clarity and express yourself,” said Bedard.

One more reason for students to take his class — “I hand out free candy!”

Registration for fall semester is open at SC4 and classes begin the week of Aug. 23. A list of available on-campus and online can be viewed by visiting sc4.edu/schedule.

Not a student yet? That’s ok. There’s still time. Visit sc4.edu/starthere and fill out your free application today.

Professor Bedard and the campus community are looking forward to welcoming you this fall!

Human Biology (BIO 160) is an introductory class that can be taken by students as a science credit and also is a requirement for some health-related programs at SC4.

Brandis Hubbard, professor of biology, is running a new virtual reality course this fall where students will be meeting with their instructor in a virtual classroom twice a week using Oculus Quest Headsets.

“When I began my teaching career at SC4, I was struck by the number of students that struggled to get to class for various reasons; including travel time, weather, and work or family constraints,” said Hubbard. “I felt VR technology would be a huge asset to these students.”

Students also will have access to the virtual space outside of class times where they will complete lab work by recording themselves in VR and submitting their work via Canvas, SC4’s online classroom platform.

Oftentimes anatomy can be hard to visualize for students – using mostly one-dimensional images within the textbook. The use of models or cadavers can be very helpful but come with their own limitations – like not being able to see the exact movement a muscle makes or how that movement effects/interacts with other body parts.

VR technology allows class attendees to be in the room and interacting with the professor in real time. The technology, while fun and exciting, does a great job of educating a student in a way that even goes beyond being in the classroom.

According to Hubbard, “VR technology overcomes the limitations we find with text images, models, and cadavers, in a fun and interesting way, leading to a better understanding of the material.”  

Specifically, within the VR space, students will be able to interact with the human anatomy as if it were a model of an entire body in the classroom but with the added benefit of being able to make some parts transparent (to see the relation to other parts), making “cuts” across the body to see the relationships between parts from a different angle, and most impressively, being able to put themselves in front of and inside of different organs as they are functioning.

One example experience is to watch a beating human heart, remove a layer to see the blood pumping through the different vessels and chambers, overlay the electrical impulses that cause the heart to pump/beat and see how those electrical impulses cause the muscles of the heart to pump blood, all while noticing how the valves work within each vessel or chamber.

SC4 is one of a few higher education institutions using VR technology to teach and  research has shown it improves student engagement, interest, and understanding of the material. “SC4 is proud of Professor Hubbard for her pioneering efforts to bring the latest technological learning experience to our students,” said Ethan Flick, chief academic officer – arts and sciences.

Moving forward, Professor Hubbard hopes to offer VR in other biology courses that are required for health professionals such as registered nurses, medical doctors, and physician assistants.

“I am very pleased to bring this exciting learning technology to the students at SC4,” said Hubbard. “I hope the course will prove beneficial to those training for future health careers.”

Registration for fall semester is now open and seats are limited for the BIO 160-64 VR section. Check out a full list of classes being offered at sc4.edu/schedule.

New to campus, visit sc4.edu/starthere. Professor Hubbard and the SC4 campus community look forward to welcoming you to campus in August.

We know our students are excited to get back to campus — so is Professor Mike Belleman.

Throughout the pandemic, both teaching and learning have been difficult, but faculty are preparing to get back in the classroom. “The online environment fits a scheduling need,” said Belleman. “Although the in-person classes add a richer conversation to the learning process helping students understand more difficult material.”

The core of teaching for him is seeing students develop ideas and critical thinking as they begin to create their future. “Economics can be fun, no matter what others have told you,” continued Belleman. “Each class is a new learning experience and an opportunity to develop ideas and perspectives.”

His advice to incoming students is to always ask questions. Develop a mindset that you are gathering information that you will use now and later in life — like economics!

Belleman also shared some financial advice, stating “SC4 gives students the opportunity to experience different ideas, opportunities, and potential careers — and for the cost-conscious consumer — the least expensive route to a passion in life.”

Registration for fall semester is open at SC4 and classes begin the week of Aug. 23. A list of available on-campus and online can be viewed by visiting sc4.edu/schedule.

Not a student yet? That’s ok. There’s still time. Visit sc4.edu/starthere and fill out your free application today.

Professor Belleman and the campus community are looking forward to welcoming you this fall!