iPods in the chemistry laboratory
Instructional Media Services and the Department of Chemistry have collaborated in a pilot project sponsored by Indiana University to explore uses of iPods in the classroom. In addition to audio podcasts of lecture and other classroom material, Gretchen Anderson, Doug McMillen, and Jim Yocom have been creating video instruction of laboratory techniques for use in upper and mid-level biochemistry and chemistry lab classes. This innovative approach to using video iPods has been very successful in biochemistry laboratory classes and biochemistry research.
Abstract:
Providing instruction in the laboratory setting for complex techniques
and protocols is problematic in the traditional classroom. Common
approaches include providing detailed written instruction, demonstrating
the procedure before students perform the techniques, providing a
video of the procedure which students view before the laboratory class,
or tutoring individuals in the laboratory setting itself. Each of
these has distinct disadvantages and allows room for error and misunderstandings.
The small size, simplicity, and portability of handheld media devices
(e.g. video iPods) make them attractive as instructional tools in
the laboratory setting. Their main advantage is that the iPods can
be viewed as the students are performing each particular step of the
laboratory protocol. Students are free to stop, rewind, or fast forward
through the video as needed, allowing them to receive instruction
on the procedure at the same time they are implementing the technique.
The role of the laboratory instructor is to provide assistance only
when problems arise in the procedure. Combined with detailed and abbreviated
written instructions, live demonstration, and individual help from
the instructor, the videos help accommodate a large variety of student
learning styles.
Videos of how to set up polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electroblotting
were videotaped, edited with key points emphasized with on-screen
text, and loaded onto video iPods which were loaned to the students
for the lab period. All the students in this pilot program successfully
set up these experiments with minimal intervention from the laboratory
instructor. Student feedback was very positive for this type of instruction.
Vodcasts
(m4v files suitable for iTunes and other video players)
Pouring gels for gel electrophoresis
Resources for video iPods in the chemistry laboratory
PowerPoint presentation (originally delivered at the Biennial Conference of Chemistry Educators 2008)
Tips for Instructors for videotaping in the chemistry lab
Tips for videographers for videotaping in the chemistry lab
