Computer grading

Eleventh-grade students at Heritage Jr./Sr. High in Monroeville, Ind., composed their essays on computer, hit enter, and their papers were graded in cyberspace. Many states are looking at this method to fulfill state-mandated writing requirements, especially those with lean staffs and resources. Having computers grade writing has more to do with our nation's commitment to education "on the cheap" and perhaps our fascination with technology than it does with teaching writing, says Dr. Gary Wolf, assistant professor, journalism and writing/editing expert. Spellcheckers may have some use ... "but programs that check grammar and style are not well developed," he notes.

Contact Wolf at 615-898-2196.
gwolf@mtsu.edu

DVD takeover?

Will VHS gradually fade from view and be replaced by DVD technology? Dr. Paul Fischer, associate professor, recording industry, says VHS will probably always have a niche in the market, but he could be wrong, he adds, because DVD players are now selling for well under $100. "Last year, statistics showed that American consumers' rate of adoption of the DVD format was second only to that of black and white TV," he notes. "The rate is now faster than the transition from no TV to black and white." Fischer offers a prediction: stereo is dead--DVD is giving America media junkies greater control of leisure-time software and more variety.

Contact Fischer at 615-898-5470.
pfischer@mtsu.edu

Groundwork for success

In order to go to college and be successful, young people need more than a list of activities on their application, says Dr. Stacey Borasky, social work. They must have acquired skills in forming and maintaining relationships, conflict resolution, and balancing priorities. "The solution for families, in my opinion, is to choose one or two activities that your child really enjoys and focus time on those things. That leaves families with time for each other, too, [as well as] the mountain of homework children have as well."

Contact Borasky at 615-898-5053.
sborasky@mtsu.edu

TODAY'S MTSU UPLINK AT 10 A.M.
SEGMENT 1: President Bush has called for the formation of smallpox response teams. Rutherford County public health officials will conduct information sessions at MTSU Feb. 3-7. Dr. Steven Wright, professor of biology, discusses smallpox as being an ideal bioterrorism weapon.
SEGMENT 2: MTSU's Dr. Pam Holder, director, School of Nursing, Dr. Maria Smith, nursing professor, and Dr. Pam Taylor, Middle Tennessee Medical Center, discuss the critical nursing shortage and the recent $1.74 million matching grant to the School of Nursing from the Christy-Houston Foundation.

TR EXTRA: TOMORROW, Jan. 30, 11 a.m., Davis Science Building, Room 100, Dr. James Poole, Ohio State University, will lecture on "Photochemistry of Tirapazamine: Anti-Tumor Agent and Potential Photo-Precursor for Hydroxyl Radical." Media welcomed.
TOMORROW, Jan. 30, 7 p.m., Davis Science Building, Room 100, Dr. George Benz of the Tennessee Aquarium & Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute will discuss his little-known discoveries about the Greenland sharks and their intricate links with other creatures. Open to the public. Media welcomed.