An Automated Lab Instructor
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As this research has progressed (and I've worked on developing an assignment using the virtual lab software that came with my AP Chem text), I've really cooled to the idea of virtual labs. The article I found here discusses the creation of a guidance tool used along with a virtual lab to help guide students to the knowledge within, much like a lab teaching assistant or lab instructor would.' I think this is a great development, but I'm trying to figure out the appropriate place for this software. I just don't see one within a traditional classroom.
Throughout my research, I am clearly seeing that there is a good use for virtual labs. That use could be as an external enrichment and as a lab substitute in situations where physical experimentation is not workable. I'm starting to feel like their use in a traditional classroom just doesn't make sense. I've spent more time developing one lab, than it would take me to develop, prep, and clean a wet lab. By being afraid of a big, complicated lab, I may have bitten off more than I can chew, and created a big mess that I've got to wade through, since I need for my kids to do this lab.
As this research has progressed (and I've worked on developing an assignment using the virtual lab software that came with my AP Chem text), I've really cooled to the idea of virtual labs. The article I found here discusses the creation of a guidance tool used along with a virtual lab to help guide students to the knowledge within, much like a lab teaching assistant or lab instructor would.' I think this is a great development, but I'm trying to figure out the appropriate place for this software. I just don't see one within a traditional classroom.
Throughout my research, I am clearly seeing that there is a good use for virtual labs. That use could be as an external enrichment and as a lab substitute in situations where physical experimentation is not workable. I'm starting to feel like their use in a traditional classroom just doesn't make sense. I've spent more time developing one lab, than it would take me to develop, prep, and clean a wet lab. By being afraid of a big, complicated lab, I may have bitten off more than I can chew, and created a big mess that I've got to wade through, since I need for my kids to do this lab.
posted by MJS at 10:16 PM
2 Comments:
I share your frustration in the amount of time it takes to prep for something, but the good news is once you have completed the prep, you can use it over and over again. Of course you have to make adjustments. Does this apply to virtual labs at all? The pro’s I see to this type of lab with the built in instructor is that it would allow the students to progress at their own pace and perhaps let your brighter students go into more depth. It also looked like it did a great job of hitting on the higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
Beth
Sometimes trying any new strategy can be frustrating and time consuming. Even though we are learning about educational technology its use is not always necessary. If the learning outcomes can be met with a traditional lab, the virtual lab may not ne necessary. I see the use of virtual labs as a way to expose students to procedures and techniques for which your school does not have the resources, equipment, or materials.
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