Science-based laboratory comprehension: an examination of effective practices within traditional, online and blended learning environments

Abstract An increase in online education is causing science educators to evaluate student cognitive understanding after completing virtual, computer-simulated laboratories. Online education has demonstrated comparable learning gains when analysed to those of the traditional classroom, but research is mixed when reviewing students’ ability to manipulate tangible laboratory equipment after participating in online experimentation. The question remains, are students who are exclusively enrolled in online science courses equipped with the cognitive ability to operate laboratory equipment within a physical laboratory? When considering the optimal learning environment for science majors, educators have discovered the blended classroom may provide the perfect opportunity to combine the benefits of face-to-face instruction and feedback with the reinforcement of scientific theory through technology integration. New advances in virtual education provide promising examples of enhancing the online classroom laboratory in all scientific disciplines. Further insight into the blended classroom has the potential to influence the field of education towards an optimal learning environment for science majors in colleges and universities.

[1]  G. Olympiou,et al.  Blending Physical and Virtual Manipulatives: An Effort to Improve Students' Conceptual Understanding through Science Laboratory Experimentation , 2012 .

[2]  Marika Apostolova Trpkovska.  A study of student perceptions on blended and online learning over traditional classroom instruction at South East European University , 2011, Proceedings of the ITI 2011, 33rd International Conference on Information Technology Interfaces.

[3]  Jane West,et al.  Cane Toad or Computer Mouse? Real and Computer-Simulated Laboratory Exercises in Physiology Classes , 2012 .

[4]  Soh Or Kan.  Cooperative Learning Environment with the Web 2.0 Tool E-Portfolios , 2011 .

[5]  Sulaiman M. Al-Balushi,et al.  Effectiveness of e-Lab Use in Science Teaching at the Omani Schools. , 2015 .

[6]  Linda J McCown,et al.  Blended Courses: The Best of Online and Traditional Formats , 2010, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

[7]  Peter Leong.  Role of social presence and cognitive absorption in online learning environments , 2011 .

[8]  Zeynep Tatli,et al.  Effect of a Virtual Chemistry Laboratory on Students' Achievement , 2013, J. Educ. Technol. Soc..

[9]  Camille Dickson-Deane,et al.  e-Learning, online learning, and distance learning environments: Are they the same? , 2011, Internet High. Educ..

[10]  Lonnie R. Helton,et al.  Psychosocial Environmental Relationships Among MSW Students in Distance Learning and Traditional Classrooms , 2010 .

[11]  Panagiotis Gioannis.  e-MedLab: A Distance Learning Medical Laboratory via a Tablet PC , 2012 .

[12]  Beatriz Y. Gonzalez.  Two-Year Community: A Six-Year Review of Student Success in a Biology Course Using Lecture, Blended, and Hybrid Methods. , 2014 .

[13]  Pauline M. Carrico,et al.  Hands‐on and online: scientific explorations through distance learning , 2011 .

[14]  T. Mgutshini,et al.  Online or not? A comparison of students' experiences of an online and an on-campus class. , 2013, Curationis.

[15]  Bill Davey,et al.  Motivations of the online student , 2010 .

[16]  Chuleeporn Changchit,et al.  Environmental Factors of Distance Learning: An Exploratory Study , 2014, Int. J. Inf. Commun. Technol. Educ..

[17]  Jason D. Baker,et al.  Human Anatomy Software Use in Traditional and Online Anatomy Laboratory Classes: Student-Perceived Learning Benefits , 2014 .

[18]  Rune Johan Krumsvik,et al.  Creating formative feedback spaces in large lectures , 2015, Comput. Educ..

[19]  Kevin Johnson,et al.  Clickers in the Laboratory: Student Thoughts and Views , 2010 .

[20]  James Uhomoibhi,et al.  Distance learning and skill acquisition in engineering sciences: Present state and prospects , 2013 .

[21]  Geetha Udayangani Kulasekara,et al.  Learner perceptions on instructional design of multimedia in learning abstract concepts in science at a distance , 2011 .

[22]  Christopher Reddy.  Educating Laboratory Science Learners at a Distance Using Interactive Television , 2014 .

[23]  L. Fogg,et al.  The Perceived Benefits of a Virtual Community: Effects of Learning Style, Race, Ethnicity, and Frequency of Use on Nursing Students , 2013, Nursing education perspectives.