Using
Database Software for "Do-It-Yourself" Online
Homework Assignments
by Thomas Holme, UW-Milwaukee
The database software Holme uses allows him to use an
ordinary PC or Mac as a web server to handle functions
such as course registration, homework, scoring, and other
course bookkeeping tasks. This, he feels, allows the instructor
to exercise more control over the electronic aspects of
the course, as opposed to large web course software systems
such as Blackboard and WebCT. (Dec. 2002)
Designing
Chemistry Applications for the Palm Pilot
by
Professor Jeffrey Rosenthal
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Professor
Rosenthal recounts his experiences incorporating the Palm
IIIx into a chemical instrumentation laboratory. While
the students were excited to try working with the Palms,
not all of them found inputting data using the "Graffiti"
system an easy task, and some of the software available
for the Palm seemed have limited in its capabilities.
Rosenthal found that one way of maximizing the device's
usefulness was by writing his own software program for
it. Read about Professor Rosenthal's initial semester
working with PDAs in the classroom and his plans for future
use. (May 2001)
Reinventing
the Basics: Madison Chemistry Department Receives Pew Grant
for Course Redesign
by Jennifer Smith, TTT Editor
In
1999, UW-Madison's chemistry department received a $200,000
grant from the Pew Grant Program in Course Redesign, an
undertaking of the Pew Charitable Trusts. Grants are designed
to promote improved student learning and reduce course
costs through the use of technology. Find out how the
Madison campus plans to redesign its high-enrollment general
chemistry sequence.
On-Line
Publishing for Undergraduates in Biophysical Chemistry
Professor Scott Hartsel
Department of Chemistry, UW-Eau Claire
Professor
Hartsel devised a project for junior and senior students
enrolled in his Biophysical Chemistry class. Students
submitted electronic papers with interactive illustrations
in WWW format and used online templates. Individually,
each student benefits from these cyber-publications as
part of a resume or graduate school application.
As a collective, the papers gain international access
due to a link with a database at the University of Minnesota.
Microsoft
Excel in General Chemistry
John Bak, Lecturer
Department of Chemistry, UW-Whitewater
ABSTRACT
(with no feature article)
Professor Bak uses Microsoft Excel in General Chemistry.
Most of his laboratory exercises have Excel worksheets
that students complete when doing their calculations,
and the worksheet then tells the students if the answers
are right or wrong. This encourages the students to do
the calculations over until the answers are right. Check
out the General Chemistry Web pages about Bak, along with
Lance Urven, a biology professor at UW-Whitewater, regarding
adaptation of a required core course "Science and
Technology in Society" to distance education. Check
out the "Science and Technology in Society"
Web pages at http://www.uww.edu/lettsc/core/sts/main.htm
You can reach John Bak at: bakj@uwwvax.uww.edu
Audiographics
in Distance Learning
Professor Lloyd Goding
Department of Chemistry, UW Centers
BRIEF
DESCRIPTION (no abstract or feature article)
Dr. Goding teaches a distance learning organic chemistry
for the UW Centers using the audiographics system supported
by Instructional Communications Systems of UW Extension.
He has taught this course for the past two years. You
can reach Dr. Goding at: lgoding@uwc.edu
First
Class Software and Other Innovations in Chemistry
Professor James Hamilton
Department of Chemistry, UW-Platteville
ABSTRACT
(with no feature article)
As a supplement to time in class and lab, Dr. Hamilton
uses First Class conferencing and email to communicate
information to his students in general and physical chemistry.
Assignments, pre-labs and answers are posted either in
Word 6.0 format or on the web as GIFs for students to
download. Hamilton also uses a Sharp LCD Projector system
in class to project and discuss figures from the textbook,
which is on CD-ROM. Hamilton also uses a computerized
quizzing and learning system called ChemSkil Builder in
his classes. In both introductory and upper level chemistry
classes, students use computerized data acquisition and
analysis extensively. Dr. Hamilton's home page is located
at http://www.ems.uwplatt.edu/sci/chem/fac/hamilton/
You can reach Dr. Hamilton at hamiltonj@uwplatt.edu
Learning
to Use Chemistry Lab Equipment via Computers
G. Earl Peace, Jr., Faculty Associate
Department of Chemistry, UW-Madison
ABSTRACT
(no feature article)
As Associate Director of a curricular reform project,
"Establishing New Traditions: Revitalizing the Curriculum,"
funded by the National Science Foundation and centered
at UW-Madison, Dr. Peace has helped develop web-based
software to enhance student learning in the laboratory.
The software program attempts to teach students how to
use all of the commonly used laboratory equipment before
they come to lab. The program includes video clips showing
how to use the equipment, audio instructions, and quiz
questions so students can make sure they understand the
use of the equipment. You can reach Dr. Peace at
gpeacejr@facstaff.wisc.edu