As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning has necessarily become an integral part of the day-to-day life of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Waterloo. One of the challenges often associated with online learning is creating active engagements between students and instructors, especially with hands on learning opportunities such as with labs.
In an effort to address the challenges commonly faced with online learning, Faculty of Science instructors are developing projects aimed at enhancing online learning for graduate and undergraduate students. Recently, the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) announced a $50 million investment in virtual learning, with $88,823 going towards Waterloo Science projects.
Two of the 19 funded programs at Waterloo were awarded to Faculty of Science researchers: Professor Kim Cuddington of Biology and Dr. Leanne Racicot of Chemistry.
“The goal is not to replace in-person labs, but to augment the experience of students whether learning remotely or on-campus,” says Leanne. “I am hoping it will bring back some fun and interactivity into remote labs!”
Leanne’s simulation tool will combine realistic images and videos from the on-campus laboratory, along with some visuals showing what is happening at the molecular scale during each step of the reaction. Students will be actively engaged in the simulation to make procedure design choices by choosing reagents to use. This project will be done in collaboration with at Western University and the University of Ottawa.
Congratulations, Leanne!
Read more in today's news item by the Faculty of Science.