Stanley G. Smith
Emeritus Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Education
Murchison-Mallory Emeritus Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Education
Professor Smith received a B.S. in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from UCLA in 1959. He joined the faculty at the University of Illinois in 1960 where he served as Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Education.
Research
Starting in 1968 we initiated studies on the use of computer-based technology for teaching general and organic chemistry on mainframe computers. This work was extended to microcomputers in 1979. In 1984, we incorporated video disc technology, which allowed mixing video with computer graphics on a microcomputer into instructional programs. With the development of software playback of digital video, we developed one of the first instructional CDs.
Current work involves designing networks to optimize the delivery of interactive, digital video-based instructional lessons to large numbers of students. We also are studying the educational effectiveness of image-enhanced tutorials in chemistry teaching. Our highly interactive lessons are used to supplement traditional modes of instruction at many institutions.
With our programs, chemistry students interact with video images of experiments that are too costly, hazardous, or expensive for traditional laboratory instruction. Tutorials that serve as electronic homework are also being developed, along with networked management systems to track student progress and provide online gradebooks. This work received the EDUCOM/ ENCRIPTAL Best Tutorial Software award in 1987, Best Chemistry in 1987, and Best Integrated and Best Chemistry Software in 1989.
Publications
"Kinetics of the Addition of Grignard Reagents to Ketones", G. Su and S.Smith, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 86, 2750 (1964)
"The Use of Computers in the Teaching of Organic Chemistry", J. Chem Ed., 47, 608 (1970)
"Computer-Aided Teaching of Organic Synthesis," J. Chem. Ed., 48, 727 (1971)
"Educational Uses of the PLATO Computer System," S.Smith and B. A. Sherwood, Science, 192, 344 (1976)
"Kinetics and Mechanism of Lithium Aluminum Hydride and Lithium Alkoxyaluminohydride Reductions of Ketones in Diethyl Ether," K. E. Wiegers and S.Smith, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 99, 1480 (1977)
"Kinetics and Mechanism of the Conjugate Addition of Lithium Dimethylcuprate to a,b-Unsaturated Ketones," S. R. Krauss and S. Smith, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103, 141 (1981)
"Computer-assisted Instruction on a Microcomputer", J. Chem. Ed., 61, 864 (1984)
"An Interactive Videodisc Chemistry Classroom", S. Smith and L. L. Jones, Media and Methods 26, 71, 1989
"Multimedia Technology: A catalyst for change in chemical education", L.L. Jones and S.G.Smith, Pure & Applied Chem. 65. 245-249, (1993)
"Networked Instructional Chemistry," S. G. Smith and I. K. Stovall, http://www.chem.uiuc.edu/chemconf/ (1996)
"From Mainframes to the Web," Stanley Smith, J. Chem. Ed. 75, 1080-1087, (1998)
Awards
- BP Amoco Award for Innovation in Undergraduate Instruction
- Appointed Jublilee Professor
- Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship
- Fellow, Association for Computer-Based Instruction
- ACS George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education
- IBM/EDUCOM Robinson Award for Instructional Technology
- Chemical Manufacturing Association Catalyst Award
