About Computer Bulletin Board

Editor
Steven D. Gammon
Department of Chemistry
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225-9150

Phone: 360/650-2853
Email: gammon@chem.wwu.edu

The goal of this column is to report innovative uses of computer software in the teaching of chemistry. Articles that have appeared in the past have included spreadsheet templates, descriptions and examples of the instructional use of symbolic processors and molecular modeling software, and examples of using commercial software in the lab.

Mission Statement
As we continue to grow into the age of computer-based information and instruction, I am excited to be the new editor of the "Computer Bulletin Board" feature. As many of you are probably aware, this feature has been focused on the print publication of articles that describe innovative uses of computer software in the teaching of chemistry. Articles that have appeared in the past have included spreadsheet templates, descriptions and examples of the instructional use of symbolic processors and molecular modeling software, and examples of using commercial software in the lab.

Availability of computers in computer rooms, lecture halls, laboratories, and student dorm rooms has raised the potential for the use of computers in chemistry instruction to its highest point ever. Please share the results of your research and experiences. If you are using computers and commercial software in your classroom, lab, or lecture hall in a new and innovative way, I encourage you to submit an article. I am interested in submissions from the K-12 community, the two-year college community, and the college/university community.

I encourage you to become involved in discussions about how we can best publish articles in an electronic format. Electronic publication has advantages over the current print medium: speed of publication and wide dissemination to audiences who might not otherwise be exposed to the journal. In an electronic format, we also have the potential to publish in a manner that will allow readers to interact with the author. These interactions will hopefully stimulate both the author and readers to use and improve upon what has already been done. My ultimate goal in this section of the Journal is to provide you, the reader, with useful and timely information about the use of computers and computer software in chemistry instruction. I welcome any comments and suggestions that you may have so that I may better reach this goal.