Erskine Chemistry employs a range of technology-aided instructional methods, from modeling and data-analysis software to computer-interfaced data acquisition equipment. But some of Erskine's most exciting technology-based teaching tools are found in its Science Mentoring Networked Classrooms (SMNCs), two unique labs in the Science Center that combine leading-edge instructional technology with an innovative, mentoring approach to interactive teaching. Students at 24 computer stations are directly connected with each other and with their instructor, allowing instantaneous data and video transfer and a level of interaction, cooperation, and immediate feedback not possible in any other setting.

The SMNC computers are equipped with a wide range of mathematical, video-processing, and data-analysis software, as well as interfaced data-acquisition hardware. However, the SMNC differs from a standard computer lab since it is specifically designed as classroom for interactive learning. The computer network allows instructors to assist students instantly, and enables good student work to be shared with peers. During lectures, professors can write notes on the SoftBoard, which records handwriting and saves it on a computer server for later retrieval by any computer on campus. This allows students to concentrate more on understanding concepts and less on getting notes down.

The bottom line is that in addition to facilitating technology-assisted data acquisition and analysis, the SMNCs allow students to become active learners as they respond and are involved in the a learning process that transcends the traditional barrier between lecture and lab.