The implementation of computers in tertiary chemistry education

Abstract

The implementation of computers in chemistry education since 1960 is described. Computers can be applied effectively to redress weaknesses in the basic scientific knowledge of students, as well as to augment their practical experience of chemical processes. Often the description or the explanation of chemical processes relies on mathematical and physical models that are three dimensional and dynamic and that can be presented elegantly with digitized images on computer. Current demands on lecturers and students, as well as didactic applications of computers in tertiary teaching are briefly described under the follow­ing headings: computer literacy, subject or task specific applications, computer aided testing, computer aided learning, inter­active multimedia, the use of electronic media for lecture presentations, Internet, and mass education.