Now, professors can join them. Thanks to the technological advancements of a computer program called LearningSpace, both professors and students can avoid spending time in those dull lectures in the classroom. The LearningSpace software is a Web delivery technology that makes it easier for educators to provide learning material in more convenient, more user-friendly methods than were previously available. PCWeek rated LearningSpace second among a list of software programs that perform the functions of computer-aided teaching saying that its only drawback is that the organization would have to install a Lotus Notes system. For LSU, that's one of the greatest advantages, Geske said.
Faculty members can put class notes online and provide added information from a variety of sources.
They can incorporate video, sound and graphics into what is normally presented as simply text. Being able to teach a class connected to the Internet makes it possible to provide links to other sources of information like businesses and agencies that specialize in the field being taught. Pardue used LearningSpace to teach a hazardous waste management class in environmental engineering this spring. He likes having a place set up where students can go to get general information so they can really listen during that valuable class time and participate in discussions on ideas that are brought up. Another benefit that Pardue is excited about is that LSU can fully support this technology.