UWG News Item
Contact: UWG Public Relations Office
Phone (678) 839-6464, FAX (678) 839-6645
ucm@westga.edu
New way for for professors and students to communicate
June 19, 2006
CARROLLTON, GA - A Department of Computer Science senior class at the University of West Georgia finished a project that could change the way professors and students communicate with each other.
Dr.
Jim Rowan, assistant professor of computer science, presented a problem
to his students that required a solution using the knowledge and experience
gained throughout the semester and using only a touch-sensitive screen.
“I wanted the students to think about computer science in a different way,” said Rowan. “This problem let them think outside of the box.”
Rowan’s problem was how to address the frequent frustration of students finding faculty members not in the office when the students need face-to-face time with them.
The class’s solution was to design and build interactive software that allows electronic communication via a touch-sensitive computer monitor mounted on the professor’s door.
The seniors’ final product, SteppedAway, is mounted on Rowan’s door. When the professor is out of the office, the flat screen monitor can display a message from a list that includes, “Gone fishin,’” “In a meeting” or “I’ll be back in an hour.” The message is displayed in a cloud along with a timestamp to show when the message was posted.
Students can leave a custom message by typing on a virtual keyboard or by choosing from a list of short phrases like “I came by about an assignment,” “Just saying Hi!,” or “I need to ask you a question.”
The board can be monitored and changed by the professor through the Internet at any location, through a cell phone or at the office.
Rowan said he has two more monitors with SteppedAway software that he would like to give two professors teaching in two different disciplines for use on their office doors. Eligible candidates should keep regular office hours and be willing to allow the interactions logged by the
SteppedAway for Rowan’s research. No modification to the office door or an additional computer purchase is necessary.
For more information, call 678-839-6660.
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