Computer-assisted instruction in chemistry at syracuse university: An overview

Abstract

A series of highly interactive computer teaching programs for drilling, tutoring, and supplementing laboratory work have been developed for use in undergraduate chemistry courses at Syracuse University. The programs are adaptable to individual student requirements both in content and pacing, either automatically through decisions the computer makes based on student performance, or under user control through student decisions to review, repeat, or skip a subject area. Some of the programs are capable of considerable detailed analyses of student input aside from dealing with the basic subject matter. The programs include: Symbols of the Elements Drill which automatically biases itself to drill the user most frequently on the material with which he is least familiar; a Tutorial Program in pH and Logarithms; a package of programs in Electronics, Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography designed to supplement an upper level course in Chemical Instrumentation; a Computer-Enhanced Laboratory Determination of Absolute Zero for freshmen students in a chemistry course for nonscience majors which involves the students in actual data taking and handling of apparatus in the laboratory prior to use of the computer to simulate the experiment in detail in varying the experimental parameters beyond the physical and time limits possible in the laboratory; and a Computer-Administered Examination which is given and graded on-line. Our experience with computer-assisted instruction (CAI) have convinced us not only that the computer is a valuable learning tool, but that its potential as such generally has not been given adequate recognition in view of our expectation that computers will become involved significantly in the teaching process in undergraduate curricula in the future.