A new program developed by a former Texas Tech professor is currently being implemented for various courses within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Texas Tech University. CEV Multimedia, founded by Gordon W. Davis, recently released iCEV, an online product for educators and students at both the high school and college levels.

Tech's animal and food sciences department is currently using iCEV for a section of their general animal science course, as well as training for the livestock and meat judging teams.

"This fall, the students unanimously said they preferred this type of technology over a textbook," said Ryan Rathmann, an assistant professor and instructor of the introductory animal science class. "I believe it's an excellent tool for students because it caters to visual learners and allows them to utilize their study time more efficiently."

Rathmann used the technology to "flip" the classroom; meaning that students were assigned videos to watch prior to attending class on the subject matter that he would be lecturing on in the classroom.  "I believe this technology is especially advantageous in an introductory setting where students may have a limited background to the field.  iCEV permitted us to use valuable classroom time going into greater depth and discussion that wouldn't have been possible without the technology," he said.

As part of the process, faculty work with CEV to develop a custom playlist to fit their course syllabus. Students then utilize these playlists to watch videos assigned to them. The firm has a library of more than 35,000 minutes of video content. Since the product's inception in 2012, iCEV has grown to more than 18,000 student and teacher subscribers. It's now being used at Tech, Oklahoma State, Tarleton State, University of Florida and others.

"Last semester, the students at Texas Tech logged in over 2,800 times to watch video clips related to animal science topics, as well as practice meat and livestock judging courses, which was very impressive," said iCEVPresident Dusty Moore. "We have found that the videos really help students understand the concepts discussed in class."

Reporting by Moriah Beyers

CONTACT: Michael Orth, chairman, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2805 or michael.orth@ttu.edu

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