OTHER HIGH-TECH TUTORS
Electronic Whiteboard: Using optics and ultrasound, a new electronic whiteboard digitally captures every written word that is written on it. First, a user mounts a receiver to the corner of any whiteboard. When a dry-erase marker fitted into a special sleeve touches the board, the sleeve sends out infrared and ultrasound waves. These waves trigger the receiver to track the writing. A computer then re-creates every stroke, which can be sent to multiple terminals.
Online Automated English Tutor: MY Access! is a new Web-based computer program to help students improve their writing skills. The software uses artificial-intelligence techniques to analyze papers for content, sentence construction, thought processing, grammar, and spelling. It highlights trouble spots and gives the student an estimated grade, so students can make revisions and improve their grade.
Virtual Labs: Students learning science in the classroom can now give their textbooks a break, and learn basic science concepts online. The virtual lab, developed by engineers and students at the University of Virginia, guides students through 50 experiments, along with text and vivid animations that explain how things work -- like semiconductors and generators.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report.