Chemistry Web Quests in Distance Learning

Abstract

This article is devoted to innovative learning technology, namely web quest, an effective learning tool that promotes the cognitive activity of applicants for higher medical educational institutions, focused on today’s challenges related to forming an independent, creative, competent personality. The main attention is paid to using quests in studying chemical disciplines in distance learning. The purpose of the study is to identify the main aspects of web quests’ effectiveness in the training of future medical professionals, revealing the main stages of the organisation. Specific examples of quests are also given from my own practical experience. An analysis of recent publications on this issue was carried out, and as a result, we argue that scientific sources do not sufficiently cover tuse of web quests in the study of chemical disciplines in higher medical education institutions, which is the impetus for the study. The article presents the stages of organising quests for students in the discipline “Medical Chemistry”, which include both the actual creation of a blog (initial, thematic, address, final), as well as the choice of topic, goals, tasks, division of responsibilities between participants and publication of results during distance learning (online conferences, videos, projects, booklets, commercials, prevention essays). It is presented an analysis of a survey of teachers and students on the effectiveness of the introduction of this technology in the training of future medical professionals. The analysis of the results shows that web quests meet modern requirements for implementing the educational process in medical and educational institutions and contribute to acquiring professional competence. Teachers and students who participated in the survey noted that web quests are an effective modern technology that promotes motivation, interest in the subject and chosen profession, and the formation of key competencies that must have a modern medical professional to be competitive. Specific examples of involving students in web quests on the subject of “Medical Chemistry” during research activities in the scientific section of Cherkasy Medical Academy.