Using computer simulations to prepare students for hands-on labs

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2010, Volume 31

Stephens, P. J.

Abstract

Many students learn best in a hands-on environment, using kinesthetic and visual strategies. This study tests the notion that interactive computer simulations can be used to provide skills and prepare students for the subsequent hands-on lab. In spring 2009, the Animal Physiology course met in two lab sections, on successive afternoons each week. In all cases, a handout was posted online about one week before the lab meeting. In this study, a (Flash) lab simulation was also given to one section. The students were asked to gather data, produce a graph, and answer questions to show that they had grasped the basic concepts. All students in the class completed an online pre-lab quiz, were observed by a teaching assistant during the lab, and produced a (post-lab) report. This procedure was repeated for a second lab, but this time the other section was given the simulation. Mini-workshop participants will interact with the programs and will be shown data demonstrating that the computer simulations helped students acquire and improve certain lab skills.

Keywords:  simulation, Skills, teaching laboratory, learning, preparation

University of Delaware (2009)