This project aims to reform the chemistry curriculum and increase retention through hands-on student use of visualization computers in introductory chemistry courses. Wide variation in ability to comprehend concepts, poor college preparation and inadequate writing and language skills of many students, demand that concepts be presented in an engaging fashion so as to allow immediate grasp of principles regardless of the students' background. Customized applications will be quickly and easily developed by combining courseware already written by the author with the large amount of shareware available at public archive sites and commercial software such as Mathematica, Interface Builder, and Renderman. This interactive courseware will be used to illustrate abstract concepts and model complex phenomena. Students will explore the effect of changing parameters on a variety of complicated chemical systems. Pre-lab exercises using computer simulations will familiarize students with equipment and laboratory protocols before performing experiments. Students will electronically mail data and lab reports, with graphics and sound annotations as well, and receive the instructor's voice- annotated and written comments in return.
