Chapter Six: Educational Technology/Virtual Chemistry Lab

In the video "Chemistry Goes Virtual," the instructor discusses the virtual chemistry classroom. There are many advantages to using technology in the chemistry classroom. The virtual chemistry classroom has several advantages over the tradiational non-virtual chemistry classroom; these advantages include allowing students to experiment in a way in which students would not be able to do in the actual chemisry lab. In the virtual chemistry lab, the students are allowed to experiement without the dangerous side-effects. The students in the virtual lab are able to think through experiements and play with different outcomes by mixing and experimenting with the different chemical reactions. The software allows the students to experiment with their own way of thinking. Also, students are encouraged to think for themselves and learn on their own through experimentation. The virtual classroom allows students to participate in activities in which they would not otherwise be able to experience. For example, historical events that occurred within the past are impossible for students to experience. However, with the virtual classroom, students can experience the horrors of World War II or the Russian Revolution without stepping foot outside of the classroom. Also, students can experience dangerous events, such as a volcanic erruption, without being in danger. In the virtual classroom, students can discover how Pompeii was destroyed and actually see it happen. The virtual classroom also allows students to see the wonders of the world without ever stepping foot on an aircraft. One day the students can scale the Great Wall of China and the next day they can dive the Great Barrier Reef and swim with the sharks. I think that the virtual classroom would work best in a situation in which students are not able to actually participate in the experience that the class is discussing, such as a dangerous event or a far off destination. Also, both advanced students and students that need just a little extra help could gain much from the virtual classroom because it would allow students to learn more and at their own pace. Being interactive allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the lesson that is being taught.