Using Visualization and Laboratory to Promote Learning in Science

Abstract

As technology advances, opportunities and challenges of its uses arise. The educational field is no different, and along with the need for educators to adapt to technological changes that occur spontaneously (widespread use of smartphones, for example), the opportunity of utilizing various digital platforms for educational purposes that were not possible or at least not cost-effective until now exist. The authors in this section illustrate these opportunities and challenges. The authors present their use of innovative digital visualizations for chemistry laboratory sessions, each chapter with its own unique emphasis: using virtual and augmented reality in remote and in-person labs; applying a theoretical model for designing a context-based learning process dealing with environmental dilemmas; providing principles for developing videos to demonstrate chemical mechanisms, using highlighting techniques as scaffolds; categorizing and evaluating digital tools in remote-activated laboratories; and examining the use of interactive smartphone applications to increase student involvement in chemistry education both at home and in the classroom or laboratory.