|
Title:
|
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A VIRTUAL LABORATORY: A SIMULATION TO ASSIST PROBLEM BASED LEARNING |
|
Author(s):
|
Annette Payne , Simon Kent , Opalyn Carable |
|
ISBN:
|
978-972-8924-58-4 |
|
Editors:
|
Miguel Baptista Nunes and Maggie McPherson (series editors: Piet Kommers, Pedro Isaías and Nian-Shing Chen) |
|
Year:
|
2008 |
|
Edition:
|
V I, 2 |
|
Keywords:
|
Simulation, Virtual laboratory, Problem based learning, Analytical skills, Scientific Experimentation |
|
Type:
|
Full Paper |
|
First Page:
|
106 |
|
Last Page:
|
112 |
|
Language:
|
English |
|
Cover:
|
|
|
Full Contents:
|
click to dowload 
|
|
Paper Abstract:
|
Laboratory classes are an essential element of most applied and basis science degree programs in university departments
and have a strong impact on students learning outcomes. Computer-based simulations of student practical classes
(virtual laboratories) can provide a cheaper and timesaving alternative to traditional practical classes and can offer
many further benefits. In this study we have combined the use of computer animation to undertake the simulation with an
experimental, problem based learning approach. We wished to determine whether such a package could enrich students
experiences of the traditional laboratory and give them a better understanding of the skills and techniques involved prior
to doing the experiment themselves. Further we wish to assess if such a package would be beneficial as a teaching tool to
combat the limitations presented by the lack of resources to allowing students to undertake multiple and individualistic
laboratory experiments. The package was tested on a large number of students with varying experience of the experiment
in a traditional laboratory. The results show that all but the experienced students showed significant improvement in their
understanding of the techniques. The students with no prior knowledge of the technique benefited the most from the
package with the greatest improvement indicating that the more novice the student the greater the impact of such a
package. Questionnaires showed that the package was received favourably by over 90% of students. We suggest that an
experimental, problem based learning coupled with animated simulations approach can be applied to the teaching of
investigational principles and analysis of results in all areas of science. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
