Northwestern and the New Mexico Institute of Technology Teach Point-to-Point "Blast Design" Course.
Northwestern University and the New Mexico Institute of Technology are co-conducting a graduate-level class on the subject of Blast Design, the study of utilizing explosive blasts to achieve a desired state in rock masses (e.g., mining, large scale sculpture such as Mt. Rushmore). Using H.323 technology, Chuck Dowding, Professor of Civil Engineering at NU, and Catherine Aimone-Martin, Professor of Mineral Engineering at NMIT, co-teach the class of approximately five graduate and post graduate students at both video conferencing sites. Professor Dowding cites some customized enhancements to the NU tech room that have made his lectures much more effective. A ceiling mounted projector and view screen, combined with a third camera mounted on an overhead projector, allow for greater teaching freedom and spontaneity. Materials can now be controlled, revised, or modified on the spot, as opposed to the restrictions of using pre-prepared and static aides such as PowerPoint displays. When Professors Dowding and Aimone-Martin first visualized the class, they were uncertain if it could be successfully accomplished via videoconferencing. Now confident of its success, they look forward to future goals such as a virtual research group, whereby students from different locations could do joint research and conduct experiments.

View a Class demonstration. (Windows Media ASX)

For more information, contact:
Chuck Dowding,
Professor of Civil Engineering, Northwestern University
(847) 491-4338
Email: c-dowding@northwestern.edu