Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/62199
Letters Smarter—and Less Traditional I enjoyed very much the article in your January/February issue called "Smarter, Faster, Better," about smart tech classrooms. However, the article focused on using technology to auto- mate fairly traditional approaches to teaching and learning. It might be interesting to follow up with an arti- cle that explores how state-of-the-art technology enables more contempo- rary—or completely new—approach- es to teaching and learning. For example, how is technology being used to support cooperative learning, collaborative learning, active learn- ing, problem-based learning, project- based learning, and/or team-based learning? To investigate these opportunities the world are doing similar kinds of things. the instructor. I'm sure others around action, it looks much more chaotic than a tra- ditional classroom does. It's also hard to identify traditional classroom. When you look in on the classroom in living room—than a College of Business and Economics Washington State University Distinguished Professor in MIS Advisors and Mentors at Washington State University, we've partnered with Boeing to design the Boeing Wireless Classroom of the Future. In this classroom, we're making use of state- of-the-art wireless and related infor- mation technologies and contempo- rary approaches to teaching and learning. We've challenged faculty to reengineer their courses so that they make extensive use of teams, collabo- rative approaches to learning, active versus passive learning, and applied project deliverables. We used a "clean sheet" approach and built a class- room that can be configured into many comfortable, flexible learning stations for small groups of students. A variety of notebook computers and other devices are available to students in this class; all are connected via a wireless network. The room looks more like a primary school class- room—or a very comfortable, large 6 BizEd MARCH/APRIL 2003 It was with much interest that I read Patricia M. Flynn's article "Build the Best BAC" in the November issue of BizEd. As dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago, one of my first priorities two years ago was to examine and rebuild the busi- ness advisory committee. I am delighted to say we succeeded through utilizing a vast majority of the recommendations outlined in the article. In addition, we are also very successful in soliciting annual gifts from our members at the level of $5,000 each. To increase the retention of BAC members, we have created a "BAC Mentorship Program," which pairs a new member with an individual who has been on the BAC for at least two years. It is an excellent cultivation and orientation tool for the new member as well as the veteran. The veteran checks in with the new BAC member monthly either via a phone call, an e-mail message, or a visit. We find that by pairing two BAC mem- Dean and Philip L. Kays Leonard M. Jessup bers based on like industries, class years, or positions in a company, we develop longer lasting partnerships with both individuals. The official mentoring lasts only three to four months, usually between the new member's first and second meetings. However, the effects of this program extend far beyond the initial three to four months and often are the basis for strong business relationships and friendships that develop among the BAC members! College of Business Administration University of Illinois at Chicago Research Ready I am a research student of management and am currently exploring the topic of how technology would change the delivery of management education as we know it today. I have been read- ing BizEd with sustained interest. I find it informative and educational, particularly in providing references to some of the interesting sources of management education. Corrections Maria Bartiromo, profiled in "Keeping an Eye on Business" in the January/ February issue of BizEd, currently is involved with these shows: She hosts and co-produces "After Hours with Maria Bartiromo," anchors "Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo," co-anchors "Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo and Tyler Mathisen," and broadcasts live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange every morning for CNBC's "Squawk Box." ■ z Wim Wiewel Dean Downingtown, Pennsylvania Partha Anbil