Perspectives on blended learning through the on-line platform, LabLessons, for Chemistry

Abstract

The effectiveness of blended learning was evaluated through the integration of an online chemistry platform, LabLessons. Two modules, Titration and Formation of Hydrogen, were designed by college mentors alongside classroom chemistry teachers to engage and allow high school students to better comprehend these scientific topics. The pre-lab modules introduced the students to experiments they were expected to perform in class the following day. The modules consisted of an introduction as well as either a visualization and/or simulation specific to each topic. Students and teachers who utilized LabLessons were surveyed to establish a preliminary research on the use of technology in classrooms. Student and teacher surveys demonstrated LabLessons to be an interactive and helpful tool to improve students’ understanding of conceptual ideas.

Exploring the Viability and Role of Virtual Laboratories in Chemistry Education Using Two Original Modules

“…2,12,13 These challenges have led many to investigate the possibility of supplementing or replacing traditional laboratories with virtual laboratories. 7,8,11,14,15 Compared to traditional laboratories, computer simulations are more shareable and repeatable since they do not require costly physical materials. Simulations are often used as prelabs because the experiment can be practiced without the hazards of actual chemicals.…”

“…6,10 Previous empirical studies at a high school level have shown that virtual prelabs can improve the understanding and visualization of various chemistry concepts, and better prepare students to conduct physical laboratories more efficiently. 14,15 Gryczka et al 14 and Jihad et al 15 developed an online platform of original, simulated prelabs known as LabLessons, which was integrated into a high school chemistry laboratory course. Here, we aim to further the research of Gryczka et al 14 and Jihad et al 15 with the introduction of two additional modules (Supporting Information Table S1).…”

“…14,15 Gryczka et al 14 and Jihad et al 15 developed an online platform of original, simulated prelabs known as LabLessons, which was integrated into a high school chemistry laboratory course. Here, we aim to further the research of Gryczka et al 14 and Jihad et al 15 with the introduction of two additional modules (Supporting Information Table S1). In particular, we seek to study student and instructor perspectives toward virtual prelabs and evaluate the effectiveness of virtual prelabs on improving student comprehension and performance.…”

“…■ DESIGN, METHODOLOGY, AND APPROACH LabLessons LabLessons is a collection of virtual chemistry laboratories and prelabs intended for high-school chemistry students. 14,15 They were built using Unity Game Engine and deployed online with Amazon Web Services (AWS). 19,20 Every lab week, a web link to the corresponding module was shared over Google Classroom, 21 a free web service for teachers to distribute and grade assignments for their students.…”

“…LabLessons has previously been used at Brooklyn Technical High School (BTHS) for four modules: Solubility, Blueprinting, 14 Formation of Hydrogen, and Titration. 15 These were administered on a standalone LabLessons platform that students logged into with provided accounts. In this study, the modules Rates of Reaction and Models of Organic Molecules (Supporting Information, Table S1) were introduced and assigned through Google Classroom instead of the LabLessons Web site.…”