To: Members of UT Academy of Distinguished Teachers

Re: Put wireless technology in use in our classrooms

Oct 22, 2001

Dear colleague,

In the past several months, I have investigated for our department the possibility of replacing the present Classtalk System by a wireless system for two Lecture Halls in Painter. My finding has been very positive. It appears that a robust and affordable wireless system has finally arrived. I have investigated only one system, the “Classroom Performance System” (CPS). There is a demo in my office. I have urged the Center of Instructional Technology to investigate competitive system(s), if available.

Several universities have already started using the wireless system at the beginning of the present semester. Among other things I was told that UC Berkeley Chemistry Department is planning to use the system for 2000 students (there will be a total of 4 sections, 500 students per section) in this coming Spring semester.

It occurred to me that the information which I have gathered for our department may be of general interest on our campus. This has led me to post a report of my investigation on the web. This is at http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~ctalk/wireless.htm

As a member of the Academy of the Distinguished Teachers, I am interested in promoting an effective use of modern technology for interactive teaching on our campus. I believe a proper use of the system can enhance learning atmosphere in the classroom and can make large classroom teaching more enjoyable. This will in turn will benefit our students. I invite you to visit the website. Also, please feel free to pass-on this information to other interested colleagues. If you or your colleagues have any questions related to the system do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your attention,

Charles Chiu

Professor of Physics, UT Distinguished Teaching Professor

RLM 10.206, 471-1707

chiu@physics.utexas.edu