New Initiatives in Chemical Education

An On-Line Computer Conference, Summer 1996

Paper 7

Networked Instructional Chemistry


Stanley Smith and Iris Stovall

Department of Chemistry
University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
smith@aries.scs.uiuc.edu stovall@aries.scs.uiuc.edu


Abstract

Computer software is used to replace some traditional laboratory experiments, collect and analyze on-line experimental data, enhance lectures and discussion sections with multimedia presentations, administer on-line quizzes, function as a prelab for beginning non-major organic lab, provide electronic homework for organic chemistry students, and give graduate students access to real NMR data for analysis. We have integrated computers into all components of chemistry courses. The software which performs these tasks has been developed by various individuals and organizations. Integration of a diverse collection of software into major components of courses is one of the most important aspects of using computers to teach chemistry. Integration is possible because of a computer network which makes all the software available to everyone taking chemistry, and because of management software which allows instructors to easily assign lessons by clicking on a lessons title presented as a list of lessons. This helps students and instructors view computers as a natural part of the course. A networked system with software management allows computers to be used for the things they do well, such as tracking homework completion and grading quizzes and allows instructors more time to interact with students.

The Students' Instructional Computing Environment

The Instructor's Instructional Computing Environment

The Physical Environment

Networking for Instructional Computing

Software Developed to help Learn Chemistry

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