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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