Using iPads in the Chemistry Classroom: Focusing on Paperless Education and Identification and Directed use of Pedagogically DirectedApplications

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 18 (2013) pp 248-254
DOI 10.1007/s00897132505

Using iPads in the Chemistry Classroom: Focusing on Paperless Education and Identification and Directed use of Pedagogically DirectedApplications

Jason D. Hofstein,*^,†, Lucas Tucker^†, Kenneth Swarner^‡, Daniel Moriarty^†, LinsayTegas^†,§, Nick DeMarte^†, and Nicole Adiletta^†

†Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211, ‡Information Technology and Service, School of Science, Siena College, 515 Loudon Rd. Loudonville, NY 12211, §Currently at Xerox, Rochester, NY, jhofstein@siena.edu
Received April 17, 2013. Accepted August 7, 2013.

Published: 13 September 2013

Abstract. A successful iPad-driven pilot program for a paperless classroom was achieved in a summer chemical kinetics course. The main objective of this course modification was to improve student learning and engagement. This initial 10-week course was offered using only electronic materials. A confluence server provided secure spaces for faculty and student work and interaction. The students responded to a survey about iPad and application (app) usage. The successes during the pilot program for a paperless summer chemical kinetics course have inspired the use of iPads throughout the Siena College chemistry curricula, particularly in the organic chemistry course. Extension to this course has lead to improvements in the initial methodologies for electronic note taking, studying, and enhanced student-teacher interaction.

Key Words: Computers in Chemistry; organic chemistry

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: jhofstein@siena.edu )

Article in PDF format (392 KB) HTML format