Microcomputer-Based Laboratory Role in Developing Students’ Conceptual Understanding in Chemistry: Case of Acid–Base Titration

Abstract

For the past five years, all Moroccan universities suspended practical work activities in the subject of chemistry for the first year due to a decision made by the Ministry of Higher Education. This study explores the effect of using a Microcomputer-Based Laboratory (MBL) on students' performance and investigates the desirability to convert first-year university-level practicals in chemistry from experimental demonstrations in lectures to the MBL. The study sample comprised 100 students attending the first year at the faculty of sciences of the Cadi Ayyad University (UCA) in Morocco. Students in the experimental group (N = 50) received a 1 h active engagement tutorial on acid−base titration using a microcomputer-based laboratory, in contrast to the control group (N = 50) who received the same instruction with a demonstration of the experiment. The experimental and control groups got randomly selected, and the same instructor trained both groups. The two groups of responders were compared based on their performance in a written exam that assesses the skills of processing, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative experimental results of acid−base titration. As a result, the analysis of the obtained results showed that the experimental group performed significantly better in using appropriate mathematical skills for quantitative data analysis; and they were actively engaged in the acid−base titration experiment. The obtained results, together with similar findings from other studies, indicate the positive impact of using MBL on learning outcomes and support the adoption of the proposed learning environment in laboratory educational procedures as an alternative to traditional laboratories.

Virtual Reality to Teach Students in Laboratories: A Bibliometric and Network Analysis

“…56,68 On the other hand, science courses for high school students are also included in the literature mapped in this study. Among the chemistry content taught within VR laboratories, topics such as titration and volumetric experiments, 110,111 organic chemistry, and molecular chemistry stand out. 20,52,53,55 Other themes such as biosafety, biotechnology, and atomic structure are also worth highlighting.…”

“…Taking a closer look at the data exclusively focused on the use of VR in chemistry laboratory teaching, it is noted that undergraduate education is the level of education at which VR was most used. , On the other hand, science courses for high school students are also included in the literature mapped in this study. Among the chemistry content taught within VR laboratories, topics such as titration and volumetric experiments, , organic chemistry, and molecular chemistry stand out. ,,, Other themes such as biosafety, biotechnology, and atomic structure are also worth highlighting. ,, It can be stated that students who experienced the application of VR to learn chemistry achieved good results in developing critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes. , Furthermore, some studies also promoted and evaluated an increase in students’ motivation, interest, and engagement in learning through the application of VL. , …”

A Comprehensive Teaching Laboratory Program on Titration Analysis: Transition from Classic to Modern Approaches

“…While titration is a familiar concept to high school students and chemistry enthusiasts alike, university students in lower-level analytical chemistry laboratory courses must not only master its basic operation but also demonstrate their understanding of advanced chemistry principles through experiments. , Consequently, when devising analytical chemistry laboratory courses, it is imperative to consider the varying levels of students and craft suitable experimental programs for them. Beyond traditional buret experiments, a plethora of intriguing experiments can be devised by coupling burets with other gadgets. For instance, titration experiments can be amalgamated with mobile phones, , virtual experimental software for simulation exercises, − or even practical applications for scientific research projects. − These experiments are certainly innovative and captivating, yet students yearn for an experimental program that comprehensively illustrates the entire spectrum of titration.…”

“…1,2 Consequently, when devising analytical chemistry laboratory courses, it is imperative to consider the varying levels of students and craft suitable experimental programs for them. Beyond traditional buret experiments, 3 a plethora of intriguing experiments can be devised by coupling burets with other gadgets. For instance, titration experiments can be amalgamated with mobile phones, 4,5 virtual experimental software for simulation exercises, 6−10 or even practical applications for scientific research projects.…”

Effects of a Microcomputer-Based Laboratory on the Triple-Representation of a Preservice Chemistry Teacher: An Eye-Tracking Design and Evidence

“…The present study employed eyetracking technology to dynamically monitor the cognitive processes of students based on their ocular movements, thereby elucidating the internal cognitive processes involved in visual tasks. 6 Eye-tracking technology is a quantitative research tool that tracks and records the natural and fluid movement of peoples' eyes, providing scholars with new perspectives. Tothováused eye-tracking indicators such as the fixation duration of the interest area to assess the students' performance.…”