Can Computers Replace the Classroom Chalkboard? The Case of Economic Education / David A. Anderson, Centre College

Abstract

Social scientists rely on visual aids to teach a myriad of concepts, but seldom do we advance beyond artless chalk drawings to convey the complex theories that we profess. Although instructors of economics, for example, have experimented with student participation, educational software, simulations, and laboratory settings to transcend the difficulties of learning economics in a traditional classroom, the chalkboard is still the medium of choice for visual illustration. The advent of modern computers and presentation software packages offers the potential for significant advancements in visual aids. This paper motivates the use of modern visual aids based on a brief survey of relevant learning theory, describes specific techniques for communicating economic concepts using computers, and provides an overview of the hardware and software available for the enhancement of classroom teaching.