Virtual Labs and Distance Ed
The potential of virtual laboratories for distance education science teaching: reflections from the development and evaluation of a virtual chemistry laboratory
http://science.uniserve.edu.au/pubs/procs/wshop8/outws004.pdf
This poster presentation discusses the use of a virtual lab by a school in Australia to help prepare their distance ed students for intensive residential lab programs. Rather than using a totally virtual lab component to the course, the school brings distance ed students to the school for several intense days of lab work, when they complete the same labs done by on-campus students, but they do it in a condensed period. The goal of this system is to help prepare the students for the lab.
While I will never be able to create my own software as they did, recreating in detail the schools actual laboratory facilities, this speaks to something I spoke of recently, where I discussed using the virtual lab as a pre-lab. This allows students to become familiar with what equipment they are going to use, and what procedure they are going to undertake. They found, just as would be expected, that the students were better prepared, and more likely to succeed.
On another note, I tried my first virtual lab today. I spent hours tweaking it, and between hardware and software issues in our school computer lab and a small but important error, I felt like it was a failure. Talking to my students, I think they will be able to make use of it, and will be successful with it, but they have to take it home and do it there, rather than being able to do it in class as we'd hoped. I'll get back to you on it once I know more about long term success or failure.
http://science.uniserve.edu.au/pubs/procs/wshop8/outws004.pdf
This poster presentation discusses the use of a virtual lab by a school in Australia to help prepare their distance ed students for intensive residential lab programs. Rather than using a totally virtual lab component to the course, the school brings distance ed students to the school for several intense days of lab work, when they complete the same labs done by on-campus students, but they do it in a condensed period. The goal of this system is to help prepare the students for the lab.
While I will never be able to create my own software as they did, recreating in detail the schools actual laboratory facilities, this speaks to something I spoke of recently, where I discussed using the virtual lab as a pre-lab. This allows students to become familiar with what equipment they are going to use, and what procedure they are going to undertake. They found, just as would be expected, that the students were better prepared, and more likely to succeed.
On another note, I tried my first virtual lab today. I spent hours tweaking it, and between hardware and software issues in our school computer lab and a small but important error, I felt like it was a failure. Talking to my students, I think they will be able to make use of it, and will be successful with it, but they have to take it home and do it there, rather than being able to do it in class as we'd hoped. I'll get back to you on it once I know more about long term success or failure.
posted by MJS at 3:07 PM
3 Comments:
Matt,
I think that virtual labs are a good way to prepare for an intensive lab week. Unlike an actual lab a student can practice with the lab at home to review for a test. I think that motivated students who are preparing for a test like the AP chemistry exam would use the virtual lab to prepare.
Computer glitches are annoying. I have some virtual lab software that will only work on OS9 or a windows computer. We have neither available. I also have Zoo Tycoon which would be an educational game for ecosystems, species and geography. However, that only works on windows. Hang in there the computer problems may be resolved next year. It could also be advantageous for students to use the software at home where they have more time to explore.
Jessica
Matt,
I think you are right on in using the virtual lab in conjunction with the hands-on lab. Define failure!!! "Technology" is a "catch-22" - there are times when it works and times when it doesn't - that is life. I have found I always need a Plan B and sometimes a Plan C - we have to be able to adjust, that is for sure. It sounds like to me you made the best of the situation, you talked with your students and from there you went forward - I don't think that was failure - and if it was, I think we learn more from our failures than we do form our successes. I very often "mess up" in class when I am using technology, but we have to try. Often my students help me trouble shoot. We may not accomplish what we set out to do, but I think we accomplish something just as important, if not more so. I have found that students respect the teacher who is willing to try and get outside the box-isn't that what we ask them to do on a daily basis? I applaud your efforts - you are succeeding because you are trying to become a more effective teacher - your students see this and as a result you are "teaching" them! Keep it up!
Beth
I continue to agree with you about the potential benefit of using virtual labs. I think using them as a practice pre-lab is a great idea. I know you feel like the first one was a failure, but you're always going to have glitches and problems the first time you try anything new.
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