Each month, a faculty member, nominated by their dean, is recognized for their efforts to integrate innovative technology into the classroom. March’s digital faculty member of the month is Michael Q. Rieck, associate professor of computer science. Read an interview between ITS and Mark.

What type of technology do you use?

VirtualBox with Ubuntu and Minix virtual disks

In what context do you use this technology?

Lab work, during regular class sessions

In what course do you use this technology?

CS 160: Operating Systems

How does this type of technology align with your teaching pedagogy?

It gives students an opportunity to do some Linux systems programming, and to rewrite source code for Minix and explore the effects.

Where did you get the inspiration to make a change?

It started more than a decade ago. Minix goes along with a textbook by Tanenbaum, and I wanted students to wrestle with OS source code, and Minix seemed easier than Linux.

How long did it take for you to implement this technology?

Including labs that I developed, it took about half a year to get it all set up.

Did ITS assist you in implementing this technology?

Yes, particularly with the installation of VirtualBox in FAC 335, which is a room I depended upon for Ubuntu and Minix labs, until recently.

Are you interested in trying out new technology in your classroom? Want help from ITS staff? Schedule a technology adoption consultation.   

—Erin Ulrich, CPHS, and Carla Herling, ITS