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2006
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Information • Textbooks • Media • Resources
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Teaching with Technology
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Distance Learning: A Viable Alternative to the Conventional Lecture–Lab Format in General Chemistry
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Ruby S. Casanova and Jennifer L. Civelli
Department of Chemistry, Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, NC 28401
Doris R. Kimbrough
Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO 80217
Barbara P. Heath and James H. Reeves
Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403
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March 2006
Vol. 83 No. 3
p. 501
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| Abstract |
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Student performance in two first-semester general chemistry courses are compared to determine whether a distance learning model can provide a comparable learning opportunity to the conventional lecture–laboratory format. The conventional course was taught at a midsized, southeastern university; the distance learning course was taught through a community college. The laboratory portion of the distance learning course consisted of at-home (kitchen chemistry) experiments. For the first two semesters (Version I), the lecture portion of the course was delivered via the Internet and the students met on campus each week for a laboratory–recitation session. For the following three semesters (Version II), all instruction was offered via the Internet. In every semester, distance learning students achieved higher average scores than their university counterparts on common final exams. In laboratory practicals, distance learners demonstrated manipulation, data analysis, and data reporting skills that surpassed those of the students in the conventional course. These results suggest that this distance learning model for teaching chemistry can be an effective alternative to conventional teaching methods for the types of students who typically succeed in a distance learning environment. The results also demonstrate a unique approach to helping students appreciate the relevance of chemistry to their daily lives.
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| Supplement |
Both a summary of feedback provided by distance learning students in Spring 2002, and a checklist of the relevant knowledge and skills that students are expected to gain by completing the conventional first-semester general chemistry laboratories at UNCW are available.
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 Contents |
JCE2006p0501W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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| More Information |
Citation |
Casanova, Ruby S.; Civelli, Jennifer L.; Kimbrough, Doris R.; Heath, Barbara P.; Reeves, James H. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 501.
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Keywords |
Chemical Education Research; Distance Learning / Self Instruction; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Graduate Education / Research; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Internet / Web-Based Learning; Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus; Laboratory Instruction; Public Understanding / Outreach; Student-Centered Learning; Testing / Assessment
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
1/31/2006
2/9/2006
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| Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues >
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