Educators ditching chalkboards for mousepads

When Professor Kalynn Brower teaches in the Telecommunications building, her classroom is equipped with a projector, Internet access, an audio system and a DVD and VHS player. Though she has faced technology problems before, the only thing she's worried about this semester is tripping over a wire.\n"I'm afraid I might knock over a projector," Brower said. "It'd be hard to look like I'm in charge if I'm falling apart. Hopefully, if I fell, they wouldn't have to call an ambulance."\nBut even though her imagination might run wild, she's glad her room is wired.\n"The best part about having technology is having access to new teaching possibilities," Brower said.\nIn 1986, the first technology classroom was created in Ballantine Hall, Room 013. Now, with an increasing demand for technology in classrooms, Instructional Support Services supports more than 80 rooms.\n"Usage continues to grow for the installed technology rooms as more and more instructors utilize technology in there curriculum," said Joseph Hacker, manager of Classroom Technology Assistance. "I envision that in 10 years we will have nearly all general-purpose classrooms with some form of installed technology."\nHacker estimates that almost 70 percent of IU faculty use PowerPoint or Oncourse during their lectures.\nBut as more professors post their PowerPoint presentations online, some students debate the value of going to class.\n"If I feel like I know the topic, I just look at the notes and skip class," said senior Carrie Cochran.\nJunior Nathan McAninch thinks when notes are posted on-line, students have less incentive to go to class.\n"I won't skip lecture, but I'll print out the notes and write in the margins."\nFor those who attend class, most enjoy the convenience of PowerPoint, especially in large lecture halls. \n"PowerPoint makes everything more clear, visual and easy to comprehend," said sophomore Emily Garrett. \nThough many professors use PowerPoint, it doesn't mean some will stop scribbling on the chalkboard. Philosophy professor Sandra Shapshay likes to draw diagrams and says she is able to move discussion along with a piece of chalk in her right hand. \n"I'm worried that if I convert to PowerPoint, there might be less dialogue between my students," Shapshay said. "Everyone would be so focused on the slides and getting the information. I think there's something that goes on in a classroom that can't be captured with a heavy dependence on PowerPoint."\nShapshay, who describes her teaching methods as "traditional," doesn't have plans to convert her lectures into PowerPoint anytime soon. Even with growing technological developments, Hacker doesn't think chalkboards will be removed from classrooms in the future. \n"I think chalkboards will still be around in classrooms," Hacker said. "The need for writing something down or illustrating something that is quick and simple won't go away very soon and it is something anyone can use in any circumstance." \nEven though the chalkboard might be a little dusty, at least it's always dependable. \nJunior Amanda Reid gets frustrated when the classroom computer system doesn't work, which has caused some of her professors to cancel lecture because they don't have a contingency plan.\n"It's a waste of time to go to class, have the system fail and then go back home," Reid said. "But I've been lucky, so it has only happened a few times."\nBeth Gazley, a School of Public and Environmental Affairs professor, has never had to cancel class because of a technology failure.\n"I always have a 'Plan B,'" Gazley said. "I bring my PowerPoint presentation on a CD from home, just in case Oncourse isn't working in class."\nBrower has faced projector bulbs burning out, experienced trouble accessing Oncourse and dealt with the network going down.\n"I'm lucky to have a phone in my room to call for help," Brower said. "The downside to technology is that you have to be prepared no matter how the chips fall."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Jessica Levco atjlevco@indiana.edu.