UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 21, Page 9
February 23, 1995
TechTalk
Physics students plot course for semester on the Web

     When Maurice Barnhill distributes his "Policies and Information"
sheet at the beginning of a semester, students may-at first-wonder why
a policies paper is circulating in their honors physics class. Where
are the theorems and equations they expect?
     They quickly learn that this policy, which is a printed version
of Barnhill's World Wide Web home page, is a unique electronic way for
them not only to find the equations they'll need, but also to keep up
with reading assignments and the exam schedule. Even further, it
brings together relevant educational resources from off campus.
     Barnhill's interest in providing class information electronically
began with the use of e-mail. "I have been keeping a couple of my
Strauss directories world-readable and posting copies of handouts and
assignment information since e-mail access became universal here. The
use of the Web for that purpose was obvious as soon as I got access
myself," he explained.
     The World Wide Web-called the Web for short-is one of the newest
information technologies and is a step beyond e-mail: Computer servers
around the world are connected in a way that allows them to share
information. Using the appropriate software and hardware, an
individual can create a "home page" of text and graphics that anyone
who connects to the Web can use.
     A primary reason that Barnhill uses electronic information
technology in his class is that students can use the technology to
prepare for assignments and exams-at any time of the day or night.
They can work independently to get the help they need when they need
it, without being restricted by a professor's or teaching assistant's
office hours.
     An important learning tool that Barnhill provides on the Web is
problem-solving techniques.
     "I have always passed out printouts with pointers on solving
problems and studying for exams, but by the time students realize that
they need the hints, they have often lost the printouts," Barnhill
said.
     In addition to study tips, Barnhill makes old exams available on
the Web. Copies of old exams help students identify the critical
material they need to study. "The old exams serve to ensure that
almost all of the students learn how to access the system," he said.
     And, once exams are taken, the students can quickly and
conveniently find out their grades. "I post exam scores for those
students who wish me to, as soon as grading is done," Barnhill said.
To protect confidentiality, a code word chosen by the student is used
for identification.
     A second advantage to making information available on the Web is
that it can be updated easily whenever necessary. Changes can then be
disseminated to the students almost immediately. Even when unexpected
events force last-minute schedule changes, it's easy for Barnhill to
keep the schedule and assignment list up-to-date.
     Using Web technology in their class, Barnhill's students gain a
personal understanding of how the Internet can enhance their
educations. According to Barnhill, as use of the Web continues to
grow, students can look forward to even greater interconnections.
                                     -Amanda Bunkley and Suzanne Nanis