ERIC Number: EJ1017487
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Jul
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
First Year Chemistry Laboratory Courses for Distance Learners: Development and Transfer Credit Acceptance
Brewer, Sharon E.; Cinel, Bruno; Harrison, Michelle; Mohr, Christina L.
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, v14 n3 p488-507 Jul 2013
In delivering chemistry courses by distance, a key challenge is to offer the learner an authentic and meaningful laboratory experience that still provides the rigour required to continue on in science. To satisfy this need, two distance general chemistry laboratory courses appropriate for Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) students, including chemistry majors, have been recently developed at Thompson Rivers University. A constructive alignment process was employed which clearly mapped learning outcomes and activities to appropriate assessment tools. These blended laboratory courses feature custom, home experimental kits and combine elements of online and hands-on learning. The courses were designed for flexible continuous enrollment and provide online resources including tutor support, instructional videos, lab report submission, and student evaluation. The assessment of students includes laboratory reports, safety quizzes, reflective journaling, digital photo documentation, and invigilated written and online practical exams. Emphasizing the quality and rigour in these distance laboratory learning experiences allowed both courses to be accepted for B.Sc. transfer credit by other institutions, an important criterion for students. This paper will outline the design and development process of these new blended laboratory courses, their course structures and assessments, and initial student results.
Descriptors: Distance Education, College Freshmen, Laboratory Training, Chemistry, Blended Learning, Instructional Design, Credits, Learning Modules, Curriculum Development, Instructional Development, Science Experiments, Science Process Skills, Science Course Improvement Projects, Student Evaluation, Evaluation Methods, Program Effectiveness, Foreign Countries, Teaching Methods, Educational Practices, Educational Technology
Athabasca University. 1200, 10011 - 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-421-2536; Fax: 780-497-3416; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Journal Articles
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A