Abstract
This paper investigates the instructional effectiveness of learning modalities towards enhancing learners’ conceptual understanding of crystal field theory (CFT) using a multimedia rich platform such as Virtual Laboratory. The virtual laboratory in the present work has integrated modalities such as graphics, images, animations, videos and simulations for simultaneous demonstration of concepts related to CFT. This study aims to evaluate the impact of these modalities on the learning outcomes of visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners irrespective of their preferred learning modality. A case study of 524 undergraduate chemistry students from four higher educational institutes was carried out as part of the evaluation. Assessment of knowledge, conceptual understanding, application and analysis with and without the virtual lab platform was done using assessment quizzes. Results showed that students that underwent a combination of visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning modalities within virtual lab environment had significantly improved their understanding resulting in better performance. The study also characterizes the effectiveness of integrated modalities on the enhancement of learning amongst the three types of learners.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Felder, R.M.: Learning and teaching styles in engineering education. Engr. Educ. 78, 674–681 (1988)
Moreno, R., Mayer, R.E.: Cognitive principles of multimedia learning: the role of modality and contiguity. J. Educ. Philos. 91(2), 358–368 (1999)
Baker, D.R.: A summary of research in science education. Sci. Educ. 75(Pt. I), 288–296 (1991)
Hartley, J.R.: Learning from computer based learning in science. Stud. Sci. Educ. 15(1), 55–76 (1988)
Eckhoff, E.C., Eller, V.M., Watkins, S.E., Hall, R.H.: Interactive virtual laboratory for experience with a smart bridge test. In: American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition (2002)
Herga, N.R.: Virtual laboratory in the role of dynamic visualisation for better understanding of chemistry in primary school. Eurasia J. Math. Sci. Technol. Educ. 12(3), 593–608 (2016)
Medhi, O.K., Huheey, J.E., Keiter, E.A., Keiter, R.L.: Crystal field theory. In: Inorganic Chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity, 4th edn., p. 428. Pearson Education India (2016)
Lee, J.D.: Crystal field theory. In: Concise Inorganic Chemistry, 5th edn., p. 202. Wiley (2008)
Falvo, D.A.: Animations and simulations for teaching and learning molecular chemistry. Int. J. Technol. Teach. Learn. 4, 68–77 (2008)
Prof, A., Tatli, Z.: Virtual Chemistry laboratory: effect of constructivist learning environment. Turkish Online J. Distance Educ. 13, 183–199 (2012)
Pyatt, K., Sims, R.: Learner performance and attitudes in traditional vs simulated laboratory experiences. In: ascilite 2007 (2007)
Raman, R., Achuthan, K., Nedungadi, P., Diwakar, S., Bose, R.: The VLAB OER experience: modeling potential-adopter student acceptance. IEEE Trans. Educ. 57(4), 235–241 (2014)
Raman, R., Nedungadi, P., Achuthan, K., Diwakar, S.: Integrating collaboration and accessibility for deploying virtual labs using vlcap. Int. Trans. J. Eng. Manag. Appl. Sci. Technol. 2(5), 547–560 (2011)
Achuthan, K., Murali, S.S.: A comparative study of educational laboratories from cost & learning effectiveness perspective. In: Silhavy, R., Senkerik, R., Oplatkova, Z., Prokopova, Z., Silhavy, P. (eds.) Software Engineering in Intelligent Systems. AISC, vol. 349, pp. 143–153. Springer, Cham (2015)
Diwakar, S., Kumar, D., Radhamani, R., Sasidharakurup, H., Nizar, N., Achuthan, K., …, Nair, B.: Complementing education via virtual labs: implementation and deployment of remote laboratories and usage analysis in south indian villages. Int. J. Online Eng. (iJOE) 12(03), 8–15 (2016)
Murali, S.S., Achuthan, K., Diwakar, S.: Comparative study of laboratory education in disparate institutes of India. In: International Conference on Electrical, Electronics, and Optimization Techniques (ICEEOT), pp. 3678–3683. IEEE, March 2016
Oehlert, G.W.: A First Course in Design and Analysis of Experiments. The American Statistician, vol. 1 (2003). doi:10.1198/tas.2003.s210
Bloom, B.S., Engelhart, M.D., Furst, E.J., Hill, W.H., Krathwohl, D.R.: Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Classification of Educational Goals. Handbook I: Cognitive Domain. David McKay Company, New York (1956)
Acknowledgments
Our work derives direction and ideas from the Chancellor of Amrita University, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of faculty and staff at Amrita University whose feedback and guidance was invaluable.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this paper
Cite this paper
Achuthan, K., Murali, S.S. (2017). Virtual Lab: An Adequate Multi-modality Learning Channel for Enhancing Students’ Perception in Chemistry. In: Silhavy, R., Senkerik, R., Kominkova Oplatkova, Z., Prokopova, Z., Silhavy, P. (eds) Cybernetics and Mathematics Applications in Intelligent Systems. CSOC 2017. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 574. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57264-2_42
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57264-2_42
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57263-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57264-2
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)