September 2002

Another academic year is about to begin and this issue of The Teaching Exchange offers a number of articles by faculty and staff on three major topics “Academic Advising,” “Course Management Systems,” and “Teaching Innovation.” A group of experienced faculty advisors offer their insights on why advising in Brown’s open curriculum offers unique challenges. In anticipation of the availability of a campus-wide course management system (CMS), Roger Blumberg, Department of Computer Science, considers the issues raised for reflective faculty by such systems. The related Teaching Tips article offers questions to consider when implementing a CMS. Stephanie Birdsall, Computing & Information Services, reports on recent faculty use of electronic assessment tools. Finally, the Sheridan Center unveils a NEW seminar series “Classroom Tools.” We hope these articles will inspire discussion and debate among colleagues across campus and welcome contributions on these issues from faculty and graduate students in future issues of The Teaching Exchange.