Share Paper: Biology Labs Online: Gauging Productive Technologies

  1. Gregory MacKinnon, Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada
  2. Eric Alcorn, Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada
  3. Trevor Avery, Acadia University, Nova Scotia, Canada
Thursday, March 8 4:00-4:30 PM Capitol C

Abstract: Science teachers have a compounding number of technological tools they might access for the classroom. This case study of an online biology lab considers the potential for three such technologies to supplement or replace traditional approaches. In response to increasing demands on laboratory space, online biology lab activities were prepared within a constructivist pedagogical framework. Three specific technologies were embedded and investigated with a sample of ~200 students. Using a mixed-method action research approach, the relative impact of virtual reality models, animations and simulations was sampled. Surveys, interviews and focus groups established that 1) while face-to-face laboratories were preferred by ...