Using Technology to Remove Barriers to Student Success in Introductory Chemistry

Breiner, Steven         (828) 262-6731

Associate Director of IT Services

IT Services / Chemistry

Appalachian State University

Abstract (up to 200 words):
Chemistry is frequently thought, by students, at least, to be one of the hardest subjects they encounter during their college careers. We instructors know, however, that the problem is not so much the difficulty of the material, but rather, that students (a) don't read the textbooks, (b) don't do the homework, (c) wait until the last minute to do anything, and (d) don’t seek help when they get into trouble. This presentation presents some concrete and, at least preliminarily, successful examples of how to systematically surmount these barriers using Course Management System technology. Using a number of features in the WebCT course management system, preliminary results seem to support the hypothesis that eliminating the aforementioned student habits can substantially increase the amount of chemistry students can learn in an introductory class, at least as measured by nationally standardized tests. The specific methods used for breaking those barriers, the failed and successful components of the project, and the bottom-line results will be discussed and critiqued.

Related materials:
UsingTechnologytoRemoveBarrierstoStudentSuccess.pdf

Session type:
Long presentation (45 minutes)

Time slots:
C7 - Fr 2:00 - 2:45

Room:
Victoria C

Last Modified September 9, 2003
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