Development of a virtual microscope with integrated feedback for blended geology labs

Abstract

Lab completion marks are used to check that you have completed and understood all of the material in the lab. This system is designed so that the lecturers and demonstrators know that everyone in the class understands and that no one is being left behind. Therefore, for you to get a full marks you have to come to all the labs and complete the designated tasks. We encourage people to work together to figure the answers out, the best way to show that you have mastered a concept or idea is to try and teach someone else. You'll find that you'll remember the day's lesson a lot easier if you argue with one of your mates about how something actually works. Lab Completion Marks:You complete all the material in that week's lab. The following week the lecturer or demonstrator will look over and discuss with you what you have done. If they are satisfied with your response you will receive a 'tick,'. If you have not completed the work in the lab to a satisfactory level, you will receive partial or no credit for that lab. General Lab Etiquette:Lab time is the time to ask questions, receive feedback, and work through the academic tasks. It is common for students to require more time to complete labs (up to 3 or 4 hours). This is the responsibility of the student to do so. The lab space is typically open to students most days (8AM to 6PM), and if it is locked, you can see staff on Level 3 of West in order to obtain access.If you cannot make it to a lab: EMAIL the head demonstrator (Elodie) to let them know right away. We will accommodate you if you are sick, or have a legitimate reason for missing the lab. The lecturers are the people to discuss larger issues (long term illness, death in the family, etc.). Please review Canterbury's policy on Aegrotats, before going to the lecturers.Demonstrators and peers are to be treated with respect at all times. Plagiarism is not tolerated and will result in major consequences to the student. Any behavioural problems will be dealt with in accordance to University of Canterbury policies.

Sustainable practices in education

“…Numerous research studies have explored the use of VLs and related pedagogical strategies in wide range of disciplines and educational programs (Calvert & Hume, 2022;Nagdee et al, 2022;Ray & Srivastava, 2020;Shorey & Ng, 2021;Xue & Crompton, 2022). These include a variety of disciplines including health science and medical education (Silberman et al, 2013;Teles et al, 2020;Wright et al, 2018;Zackoff et al, 2023), engineering (Mohamed et al, 2021), science (Engel et al, 2023;Watson et al, 2022;Zahid Iqbal & Campbell, 2023) psychology and consultancy (Neden, 2020), and art (Yu et al, 2023).…”

“…In 2020 the ALSDO (Alternative Lab and Studio Development Options) was created to further develop and increase to use of remote/distance labs (including VLs) at our university. The work done by the ALDSO group identified VLs as an effective way to teach practical activities, especially those that involve repetitive tasks for the teaching staff, location-based learning and learning involving large datasets such as maps and high-resolution images (Engel et al, 2023;Watson et al, 2022). VLs were also identified as a way to achieve the university sustainability goals.…”