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University Daily Kansan, October 13, 1980
Prof wants video for lectures
By VANESSA HERRON Staff Reporter
In the future, KU students may be able to plug in videotape cassettes and see both first-run movies and re-runs of their statistics lectures, Lawrence Sherr, professor of business and mathematics, said last week.
Sherh happens eventually to replace 60 percent of his lectures with videotapes and sketches.
Many lectures flood students with more information than they can handle.
The videotapes, like audio cassette tapes that Sherr now uses, would be available at night or in the early morning, he said.
"I do some of my best teaching when I malaise." he said.
VIDEGTAPED LECTURES are Sherr's dream, but because their initial cost is between $50,000 and $70,000, they are a financial nightmare.
But Sherr said they would be worth the expense in the long run.
"The University is saving money by hiring only one of me for all of them," said Sherr, who introduces 300 students to business statistics twice a week.
"I think that in the long run, the cost would be justified," he said.
The cost of videotaping could decrease in the next few years, he said.
The special equipment that students would need to replay the tapes could be supplied by the University of Kansas, a research facility, by the students themselves, he said.
"We're talking about a rapidly changing technology, he said. "It's short-sighted to say, 'Look how expensive it is right now.'"
SHERR IS TRYING to raise funds for the program through the University and through private grants.
This month, he received a three-year fellowship from United Telecommunications, Inc. The fellowship will provide Sherr an annual salary supplement and some extra money for research.
Until he can afford to use videotapes, Sherr said, the slides, tapes and computer programs that now supplement his lectures will have to do.
But when the School of Journalism's new broadcast building is completed, Sherr said, he will ask to use videotainment equipment there.
Sarr first used computer video display terminals to help students apply statistics theories in 1985, when he was a 24-year-old assistant professor
He said he was one of the first professors in the country to use computers to teach courses basked computer science.
Three years ago, Sherr began making slides so students would not have to strain to see his faint writing on the blackboard.
WITH THE HELP of a few cartography and art students, Sherrr completed about 2,000 slides of statistics graphs and equations last for each two-hour lecture, they spent 40 hours working on slides, he said.
Now that the slides are completed,
Sherr records tapes in his Strong Hall
office for his students to check out at
language laboratory in Wescoea
Hall.
The tapes help students review old material and apply the concepts they learn in class. They help students find help when they need it, Sherr said, and not just when they happen to be in his office.
ALTHOUGH TEACHING devices such as computers, tapes and televisions are convenient, Sherr said, the most teaching aids should not be overused.
"The problem is that I've seen people who use television fall in love with the device."
Television and tapes would never replace all of his lectures, Sherr said, and he would schedule office hours in spare time that the tapes would create.
Commencement plans await OK by SenEx, Med Center committee
By CINDI CURRIE Staff Reporter
Acting Chancellor Del Shankel said recently he was ready to approve changes in the Commencement format that include moving the ceremony to Sunday at the university's speaker of national prominence.
The changes, recommended by the Special Commencement Committee appointed by former Chancellor Archie R. Dykes, will be effective for the Spring 1981 Commencement ceremony if approved.
The committee, appointed after Commencement last year, submitted its recommendations to Shelkell early in Sentember.
The committee consisted of David Amber, vice censorch for student affairs, Rajit Christoffersen, vice censorch for academic affairs, Frances Horowitz, vice censorch
In an Oct. 6 letter to members of the committee, Shankel told them they had written "a very worthwhile set of recommendations."
for research and graduate studies; Gay Ann Kearney, assistant to the chancellor; James Moeser, dean of the School of Fine Arts; Tad Wilson, senior class president; and Richard Wintermute, director of the University of Kansas Alumni Association.
Ambler, committee chairman, said yesterday that the committee was concerned about several cases of the Commencement caremeny.
certainly.
He said the committee thought that Commencement had become less meaningful for students.
"It got away from the students," he said. "There was not enough to honor graduating students."
Ambler said, for example, that the march down Mt. Oread to Memorial Stadium lasted one hour and 45 minutes; the ceremony lasted only half as long.
He said the change from a mid-week to a Sunday ceremony was based on a survey done of last year's graduating seniors.
The survey was distributed as students received their diplomas, and Ambler said a significant
number of the surveys were returned.
Students overwhelmingly said they thought more family members could attend If Commencement were during the weekend, Ambler said.
As a result, the committee scheduled alumni events on Friday and student events on Saturday and Sunday to encourage more family members to become involved in Commencement, he said.
Besides moving Commencement to Sunday and adding a speaker, the committee recommended commencement of the Commencement programs.
The committee recommended that the All-University supper on the night before Commencement replace the Senior-Parent dinner.
a senior Parent dinner will be replaced by a senior breakfast on commencement morning, during outstanding members of their class.
Another change recommended by the committee was that each school or department have individual courses offered for graduating undergraduates.
"Massina, West Africa A Model Structure For a Muslim State
A Lecture By Dr. Thomas Lewin Professor of African History
7:30 p.m. Fri. Oct. 17
Forum Room Kansas Union
Sponsored by Muslim Students Assn. KU
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE GRASS IN FRONT OF THE UNION IS BLUE?
On Wednesday, October 15, KANU and SUA will be sponsoring a bluegrass band for your listening pleasure. This musical entertainment will begin at 11 am, and will last till 1 pm. Free albums of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, posters, coupons for free beer, and many other prizes will be provided during the band's performance.
Bluegrass Concert Wednesday, October 15, 11 am to 1 pm In front of the Union
For a foot stompin', hand clappin' good time!
Becerros Mexican
2515 W. 6th
You've Enjoyed Our Tacos!
Now try a Mexican Quiche, Conquistador, Hot Pork Burrito or one of our Daily Specials. Treat yourself to any of the exciting Mexican Beverages or Imported Beers.
Homecoming Weekend? What a great place to bring your out-of-town guest $^{\textcircled{e}}$
Reservations are always welcome. We have public & private dining.
Enclose $10.00 Membership Application You must be check please... 21 years old
Enclose $10.00
check please.
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Graduates in ME/EE
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