Using the Internet As a Teaching Tool In The Political Science Classroom

Associated Colleges of the South

Mellon Teaching with Technology Fellowships

Hasan Crockett, Political Science Department, Morehouse College

hcrockett@morehouse.edu

Abstract

The use of Internet technology in the Political Science Class room is well researched (Ball 1995, Bailey 1994, Klass 1994, Manrique 1993). Over the past five years I have used various Internet technologies in my classroom--E-mail, Gopher, WWW, etc. However, my use of the technology has been ad hoc and piecemeal at best. The funds provided by the Mellon Teaching with Technology Fellowship will be used to relieve me from teaching in the Summer of 1998. This release-time will provide an ideal opportunity to enhance the delivery of my political science courses by using Internet technology.

Project Impact on Teaching and Student Learning

The Internet As Research Library

One of the most powerful tools of the Internet for students is its virtual library. It is opened 24 hours a day, everything can be checked out, however, everything is always on the virtual shelf. The use of the on-line library will tremendously aid students= research efforts. Available on-line are such documents as the Federalist Papers, book reviews, and Congressional information. State and Local Politics students can research state governments, major cities, and public agencies.

LISTSERVE and USENET DISCUSSION GROUPS

LISTSERVE and USENET are Internet sites that allow students to post electronic messages and conduct discussions. The discussion group will allow students to post electronic messages and conduct debates. The discussion group will allow students to understand current public polemics over political issues and to refine their capacities to formulate and express views about controversial subjects. Advance students will write assignments on current issues and submit them to news groups. Subsequently, they will engage in responses and arguments featured. It is my hope that such a forum would inspire careful writing and thoughtful analysis.

Multimedia Lecture Assistance

Besides student learning, the WWW multimedia features can enhance my classroom lectures. Using such sites as the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian, I can add graphics and audiovisual files to my lectures. I will also explore using PowerPoint and other presentation technologies.

Integration into the Curriculum

The two courses I am selecting to revise are Introduction to Public Management (PSC 371), and State and Local Politics (PSC 252). I will introduce the enhanced curriculums in the Fall semester 1998.

Evaluation and Dissemination of the Results

I will conduct a mid-semester and end of semester evaluation. I will consult with Morehouse research experts on developing appropriate evaluation instruments. I will also develop a web page so the revised curriculum, and evaluations, will be distributed to ACS members.