Using Screencasts in ChE Courses

Authors

  • John L. Falconer University of Colorado
  • Janet deGrazia University of Colorado
  • J. Will Medlin University of Colorado
  • Michael P. Holmberg University of Colorado

Abstract

Screencasts are digital recordings of the output from a computer monitor, including narration. Their use was piloted in five chemical engineering courses and the feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. The screencasts were produced on Tablet PCs using Camtasia Studio software and were posted to the Blackboard classroom management system for easy student access. The screencasts showed example problems, offered mini-lectures on important topics, clarified questions on homework assignments, explained how to use software, and described concepts in more detail than class time allowed. Students found them to be effective supplements to class time and textbooks, and instructors appreciated their easy preparation.

Author Biographies

John L. Falconer, University of Colorado

John L. Falconer is the Mel and Virginia Clark Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and a President's Teaching Scholar at the University of Colorado. He teaches thermodynamics and kinetics courses and incorporates active learning techniques such as ConcepTests and clickers. His current research is in the areas of zeolite membranes and heterogeneous catalysis.

Janet deGrazia, University of Colorado

Janet deGrazia is a senior instructor in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Colorado. She teaches a number of the courses in the department including a course on technology for non-engineers. As chair of the Undergraduate Committee, her interests lie in curricular innovations and the use of technology in education. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in chemical engineering.

J. Will Medlin, University of Colorado

Will Medlin is the Patten Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering and the ConocoPhillips Faculty Fellow at the University of Colorado. He teaches courses in kinetics, thermodynamics, and material and energy balances. His research interests are in the area of surface science and heterogeneous catalysis.

Michael P. Holmberg, University of Colorado

Michael Holmberg is a program assistant at the University of Colorado. He received a B.S. in chemical engineering in 2008 from the University of Colorado and now works to improve the undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum.

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Published

2009-09-01

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 4 (2009): Fall 2009

Section

Manuscripts