Implementation of a Computer-Aided Learning Toolbox for Establishing an Instrumental Analysis Calibration and the Quality Parameters of an Analytical Chemistry Method

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 18 (2013) pp 136-143
DOI 10.1007/s00897132489

Implementation of a Computer-Aided Learning Toolbox for Establishing an Instrumental Analysis Calibration and the Quality Parameters of an Analytical Chemistry Method

D. González-Gómez*^,†, A. Gallego Picó^†, A. Muñoz de la Peña^‡, J. S. Jeong^§

†Department of Analytical Sciences, National University of Distance Education, Paseo Senda del Rey, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; ‡Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Extremadura, Avd. Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain; §Department of Graphical Expression, University of Extremadura, Calle Santa Teresa de Jornet, 38, 06800 Mérida, Spain, dggomez@ccia.uned.es
Received April 25, 2013. Accepted May 18, 2013.

Published: 31 May 2013

Abstract. There is a notable growth of enrolling students in distance education universities and several distance education programs are available in most universities. In this context, the benefits of using new technology tools to promote student knowledge have been already proved. This research describes a new statistical toolbox to be used in senior courses of analytical chemistry studies. The software provides different tools to assist and reinforce the theoretical aspects of advanced analytical chemistry subjects, intended to establish the calculations needed to perform an instrumental analysis calibration and the quality parameters of an analytical method. The statistical program, called AChemFIT, includes example generators where students can have unlimited number of examples to practice and compare alternative methods. From these examples, students can practice with the software and can acquire the skills to establish the quality parameters of an analytical method. In addition, the toolbox includes the most relevant analytical tests that are normally used to study the possible matrix effect or to compare the results from different methods. The software is complemented with a user manual and interactive tutorial framed in HTML5-based e-Learning application, dedicated to instruct students.

Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; analytical chemistry; computer-based learning; matlab; captivate; statistics/data analysis

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: dggomez@ccia.uned.es )

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Supporting Materials:

This work is complemented with a set of multimedia and interactive e-learning tools to instruct how to install theAChemFIT application and to exploit all its functionality. (12.4 MB).