A Web-Based Chemistry Course as a Means To Foster Freshmen Learning

Abstract

Simulations, graphing, and microcomputer-based laboratories have been used in the last two decades as effective teaching methods in science education at both college and high school levels (1-5). Scientists, engineers, and science educators use models to concretize, simplify, and clarify abstract concepts, as well as to develop and explain theories, phenomena, and rules. Researchers underscored the need for models as enablers of students' mental transformation from two-dimensional to three-dimensional representations (6-8). Virtual models enhance teaching and learning of various topics in chemistry. Studies have shown that when teaching topics such as chemical bonding and organic compounds aided by three-dimensional computerized models, students' understanding improves (9-11).During the past decade, science educators have been engaged in experimental projects that focus on the integration of the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) as an additional medium for teaching and learning. This new medium facilitates communication among teachers and students worldwide and allows transfer of information with unprecedented speed and freedom from time and geographical barriers. The Internet and the WWW are used as a source of scientific data and theoretical information (12-14), a tool for designing learning environments (11,(15)(16)(17), integrating virtual models (18), and creating learning communities (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25).While teaching the properties of substances and how they react, chemistry educators identified three levels of understanding: macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic (26-29). Nakhleh and Krajcik (5) argued that there are four interconnected representational systems: the macroscopic system, microscopic system, symbolic system, and the algebraic system, in which the relationships of matter are presented and manipulated using formulas and graphs. Instead of the algebraic system, Dori and Hameiri (30) suggested another fourth level-the process level, at which the substance is formed, decomposed, or reacts with other substances. Mastering this process level often requires higher-order thinking skills as well as at least two of the previous three chemistry understanding levels. Researchers have shown that plastic and virtual models, such as Computerized Molecular Modeling (CMM), help students develop conceptual understanding (31, 32) as well as the ability to transfer across the various levels (26-28). MethodologyChemistry courses in higher education have traditionally been composed of lectures, problem-solving sessions, and laboratories. This study, which took place at the TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology, was aimed at developing a freshmen Web-based chemistry course and investigating the performance of the students who use it. The course Web site included the following elements:• Weekly problem sets, for which solutions were provided a week later• Hyperlinks to Web sites that provide information about topics in chemistry that are relevant to the course, including historical and philosophical backgr...

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