DISCIPLINE
Chemistry

DURATION
The CD-ROM is used in both semesters during first year chemistry courses to prepare students for the laboratory work. There are 12 pre-labs provided and each takes from 15-30 minutes to complete for that week's lab.

ICT USED
CD Rom.

DELIVERY CONTEXT
Each student has their own copy of the CD-ROM which can be used at a number of sites around the University or at home. The work can be done at any time which suits the individual student but is usually completed a day or two before the practical class.

TARGET AUDIENCE
First year undergraduate chemistry students

COHORT
This learning design was originally designed for 600 students, but an indefinite number of students could be supported.

BROADER CONTEXT
The interactive multimedia program prepares students for their laboratory classes. Chemistry is an experimental science and it is essential that students obtain maximum benefit from laboratory work. In addition to the professional skills and techniques which can only be finally learned in the laboratory students generally claim that completing a laboratory activity brings greater understanding of the underlying chemical theory and principles.

Intended learning outcomes:

• Understanding the nature and purpose of the activity.
• Enhanced understanding of theoretical concepts underlying experiments.
• Awareness of safety issues.
• Awareness of skills in relation to experimental equipment, techniques and procedures.
• Ability to collect and record data appropriately including use of significant figures.
• Awareness of experimental error and need for repetition and variable control.
• Ability to successfully analyse data and draw appropriate conclusions.

IMPLEMENTATION OF ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
The assessment tasks are contained within the simulation activities. These involve randomised data so that each student completes their own individual task. Assessment of the competencies is carried out by the computer which issues a code to individuals on successful completion of the activity. This code is required for entry to the laboratory class.

IMPORTANCE OF ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES USED
This assessment strategy ensures students have exhibited the competencies considered necessary for efficient and effective completion of the real time experiment.

WHY ICT IS USED
Laboratory work is crucial to building professional skills for chemists but is a notoriously expensive and labour-intensive learning method. Experience has shown that students often come to laboratory classes insufficiently prepared so that much of the laboratory time is devoted to matters which do not need the resources of the lab. The result is that expensive laboratory time is wasted and much of the potential learning in the laboratory remains unrealised.

HOW ICT USE HELPS
The same task could be completed through reading and written work without the use of the CD-ROM as is common. However this does not allow the individualised tasks and simulated activities nor the ease of access to the support and resources. The CD-ROM is thus more efficient and effective.

MOST IMPORTANT ICT CONTRIBUTION TO LEARNING DESIGN
It is more efficient, effective and meaningful than alternatives and is student controlled and thus offers flexible delivery.