TCE
    
|
The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 15
(2010) pp 18-25
Impact of a Web-Based Tutorial on VSEPR and Visualization Skills
Mithra Beikmohamadi Marcus*,† and John W. Moore‡
†University
of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Ave., OSS 402, St. Paul, MN 55105 beik6264@stthomas.edu ‡Department
of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue,
Madison, WI 53706-1396
Received June 6, 2008. Accepted November 30,
2008.
Published: 9 January 2010
Abstract. In order to foster growth of visuospatial skills, and thus promote academic success in chemistry courses, a Web-based tutorial focused on Valence Shell Electron Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory was developed. Upon implementation and evaluation of the Web-based tutorial in the general chemistry classroom, we found that the tutorial effectively taught VSEPR theory and molecular visualization skills. The tutorial was also found to be just as effective as course instruction on VSEPR theory. The tutorial was not found to improve spatial visualization skills, although evidence from one study suggests that it may improve closure flexibility skills. Students provided positive feedback after using the tutorial; their responses about the tutorial were more positive after they received instruction on VSEPR theory in class.
Key Words: Computers in Chemistry; general chemistry
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: beik6264@stthomas.edu )
Article in PDF format (145 KB) HTML format
Supporting Materials:
One supporting PDF file is available. containing Evaluation Tests, Rotations Pre-Test, Rotations Post-Test, Shape Identification Pre-Test, Shape Identification Post-Test, and Bar Graphs from Attitudinal Surveys (1.86 MB)
© The Chemical Educator 1996-2024