This issue of Teaching Times continues to look at how instructional technologies interact with good practice in teaching. The original principles can be found in "Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education" (Arthur W. Chickering & Zelda F. Gamson, AAHE Bulletin, March 1987) and "Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as Lever" (Arthur W. Chickering & Stephen C. Ehrmann, http://www.tltgroup.org/ehrmann.htm.)
Principle #4:Good practice gives prompt feedback.
Joe Grabowski, Chemistry, believes the value of using the web comes from the possibility for interaction. Grabowski previously offered students online class information, but found that on the average each student accessed his web site only once a week to look primarily at old exams and answer keys. Using CourseInfo, he intends to restructure these exams into ungraded online quizzes so his undergraduate students can receive immediate feedback. Grabowski also sees the software's discussion capabilities as enhancing his course. "I'll give assignments on Friday that are due Monday. Throughout the weekend students can talk to each other, and I'll have a pre-determined time that I'll be available for a "group chat," say 4:00 Sunday afternoon, where I can provide advice and consultation." This idea extends the successful concept of the Sciences Help Desks present throughout the week in the Commons Room of the Cathedral of Learning. "The group chat allows for off-campus students (and faculty!) to have 'just-in-time' live interaction." It is this type of interaction that transforms the web from a back-up site for course information, integrating it as a mainstream tool for the classroom.