DUE WEST, S.C. ÐA project under the direction of Erskine College professors Dr. William F. Junkin III, Department of Physics and Chemistry, and Dr. Mary Lang Edwards and Dr. David B. Ritland, Department of Biology, entitled "A Computer-Supported Environment for Learning Science Concepts" has been awarded a grant in the amount of $55,158 by the National Science Foundation.

The proposal sent to the National Science Foundation by Erskine College requests funding for development of a Science Mentoring Networked Classroom (SMNC). According to the proposal, the SMNC "will combine state-of-the-art instructional technology with a mentoring pedagogy to create what will arguably be the most effective science learning environment in the nation."

A number of reviewers at the National Science Foundation evaluated the Erskine proposal. "The lab will be fully used, with scheduled classes occupying it for 36-40 hours per week," observed one reviewer. "In addition, the lab will also be used for summer programs for local teachers and high school students."

"This is a very exciting and worthwhile project," remarked another reviewer. "A most appropriate use of of the requested technology."

Erskine faculty members involved with the project are excited about its potential impact on the teaching of science.

"I think it will allow us to let students learn in a different way and bring together technology and better conceptual understanding," said Dr. David Ritland. "It's not just some computer lab - I believe it is unlike anything else in the nation. It will give us the ability to interact with and respond directly to the students through the computer, linked with laboratory apparatus. This will help us bridge the gap between lecture and laboratory."

The award is effective August 1, 1997 and expires July 31, 1999.