DUE WEST, S.C. Ð Erskine College physics professor Dr. William F. Junkin III, 1995 South Carolina Governor's Professor of the Year, will journey to the Washington, D.C. area May 9-11 for a conference titled "Undergraduate Education in Physics: Responding to Changing Expectations," sponsored by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the American Physical Society (APS).

Dr. Junkin will be sharing some recent innovations in the teaching of physics at Erskine with his colleagues. He has been asked to submit a one-page description of each of four areas of innovation: the Mentoring Networked Classroom; "Beyond Question," a computer application to query students; LabTalk (with Eckerd College); and "Constructing Physics Understanding in a Computer-Supported Learning Environment" (CPU Project, with Eckerd College).

The Mentoring Networked Classroom, which Junkin developed, uses technology to provide an optimum learning environment for students, each of whom has a computer-equipped desk with each computer connected to a server allowing students and instructor to exchange documents, applications, simulations, and other files.

"Beyond Question" is a computer application developed and now being tested at Erskine. "Beyond Question" is designed for any system of computers that are networked through a server and requires no installation of additional hardware or system software components. Using "Beyond Question," the instructor can send questions or sets of questions to students and receive an immediate response.

"LabTalk" can be used even in a laboratory where no networked computers are available. It is a way of improving on traditional lab experiments for introductory physics courses by enhancing student learning, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students work in groups of two or three and report their answers to questions contained in the lab instructions. Questions typically concern prediction, observation, and explanation of results.

The CPU Project, supported by the National Science Foundation, is developing a method of teaching using content units and computer software, helping students learn individually, in small groups, and as a whole class. Content units include Light and Color, Current Electricity, Static Electricity and Magnetism, and Force and Motion. Workshops will be offered through 24 CPU Leadership Teams to elementary and secondary teachers.

Erskine College, known for the excellence of its programs in science, was founded in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. It is the oldest four-year church-related college in South Carolina.