This paper presents and discusses the use of simulation-based customizable online learning activities, virtual laboratories, and comprehensive e-Learning environments for teaching subjects such as materials science, chemistry, and biomanufacturing. The virtual equipment and lab assignments have been used for: (i) authentic online experimentation, (ii) homework and control assignments with traditional and blended courses, (iii) preparing students for hands-on work in real labs, (iv) lecture demonstrations, and (v) performance-based assessment of students’ ability to apply gained theoretical knowledge for operating actual equipment and solving practical problems. Using the associated learning and content management system (LCMS) and authoring tools, instructors kept track of student performance and designed new virtual experiments and more personalized learning assignments for students. Virtual X-Ray Laboratory and Web-based Environment for Single-Use Upstream Bioprocessing have been used to illustrate the implementation of the concept of Interactive and Adjustable Cloud-based e-Learning Tools. The virtual labs and e-learning environments have been used at two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the USA, UK, Tanzania and some other countries. The virtual X-Ray lab has also been integrated with the MITx course delivered via the MOOC (massive open online course) edX platform for Massachusetts Institute of Technology undergraduate students.
Chemisim: A Web-based VR Simulator for Chemistry Experiments
In developing countries, high schoolers rarely have opportunities to conduct chemical experiments due to the lack of facilities. There-fore, chemistry experiment simulation is an alternative environment for students to do the chemistry lab assignments. Despite the need of creating virtual simulations to expand the application usability, it is challenging to synthesize a realistic environment given the limited computing resources. In this paper, we propose Chemisim, a highly realistic web-based VR laboratory simulation for students with high quality and usability. In particular, we make use of the fluid simulation system to mimic real chemical reactions. The imple-mented simulation was based on the chemistry assignments in the national education system, consulted by chemical teachers. Then we deployed the simulator on the web to promote a wide range of students usage. The system was evaluated by collecting and analyzing feedback from chemical teachers based on four criteria, namely, convenience, realism, functionality, and preferences. Our experimental findings address educational challenges and produce innovative technical solutions to solve them in developing countries.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2025234
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10428270
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- ISMAR 2022
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 850 to 854
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Conference Paper:
- https://doi.org/10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct57072.2022.00183
