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20 NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009
ENVIRONMENT
Paper no longer needed in classrooms
Professors create a "paperless classroom" by using blackboard
BY STEPH SCHNEIDER
sschneider@kansan.com
University teachers and the Center for Sustainability are using computer technology to produce as little waste as possible. "Paperless Classrooms" are becoming more possible on campus thanks to a computer network system, which saves paper, printing fees and students the hassle of having to be physically present to submit assignments.
Paperless classrooms are a trend where teachers use Blackboard to administer assignments, quizzes and syllabuses to students to reduce the amount of paper printed for the class.
For the past three semesters, Stacey Swearingen White, director of academic programs for the Center for Sustainability and associate professor of architecture and urban planning, posted readings online and had students submit papers through Blackboard.
"I think students care about efforts to save resources," White said. "Going paperless is, I think, ultimately easier and cheaper for them as well."
In the past, White said, she was unsure if students even read comments on their
"I encourage students to read course-materials online rather than printing them onto paper."
through her use of Blackboard and the "track changes" and "insert note" functions in Word, it's easier for them to read the comments online, she said.
"I have actually received notes from students thanking me for my comments," White said. "I think it takes more time for me to grade digitally, but its important to show students
Dan Bernstein, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and
that I am committed to finding ways to have a lesser impact on our environment."
-DAN BERNSTEIN Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence
professor of psychology, minimizes paper use by having most assignments done online and returned electronically, including term papers.
"Iencourage students to read course materials online rather than printing them onto paper," Bernstein said. "In the end, the only required work on paper are sit down exams."
White said students seemed to appreciate her efforts in conserving paper, and appreciated not having to pay to print something out.
Board on a Student Senate bill.
In efforts to conserve paper through printing, Joshua L. Foster, Lincoln, Neb., graduate student and research assistant for the Center for Sustainability, is working with the Student Environmental Advisory
The bill would encourage a reduction in paper use through the purchase of duplex printers, or printers that print on both sides of the paper. Foster said.
"Only specific departments across campus, like the Student Success Technology Services office have implemented such policies so far," Foster said. "The adoption of a University-wide policy would be ideal but is only in the research stage."
LAWSUIT
In addition to the use of duplex printing, the printer settings would reduce default margins on Word documents from 1.25" to .5".
The Center for Sustainability is using an example from the University of Iowa, where a significant reduction in paper use was the result of duplex printing, to develop its own program. According to its Web site, the duplex printing at the University of Iowa saved about 1.75 million sheets of paper per semester.
Edited by Hannah DeClerk
Dentist drops tools down elderly patient's throat
WINTER PARK, Fla. - A Florida dentist is being sued for allegedly dropping tools down the throat of an elderly patient twice.
Relatives of 90-year-old Charles Gaal Jr. recently filed the suit in circuit court accusing Dr. Wesley Meyers of negligence. An answering message at Meyers' office in Winter Park said Saturday that he was on vacation. He did not reply to a message from The Associated Press seeking comment.
The lawsuit said the doctor dropped an "implant screwdriver tool" in 2006 and a "miniwrench" in 2007.
The suit also said Gaal underwent several medical procedures to remove the tools but never fully recovered. He died in 2007.
Meyers was fined $17,000 by the state a year later. The dentist was found negligent in a settlement.
Associated Press
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