Connecting the Dots: Lewis Structure Builder Web App as a Review Tool for Organic Chemistry

Autor/inn/en	Paye, Ciana L.; Dunnagan, Cathi L.; Tredwell, David A.; Gallardo-Williams, Maria T.
Titel	Connecting the Dots: Lewis Structure Builder Web App as a Review Tool for Organic Chemistry
Quelle	In: Journal of Chemical Education, 98 (2021) 8, S.2704-2708 (5 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Gallardo-Williams, Maria T.)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0021-9584
DOI	10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00213
Schlagwörter	Computer Oriented Programs; Organic Chemistry; Molecular Structure; Science Instruction; Instructional Design; Computer Uses in Education; Handheld Devices; Nuclear Physics; Hands on Science; Freehand Drawing; Introductory Courses + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Computerprogramm; Organische Chemie; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Lesson concept; Lessonplan; Unterrichtsentwurf; Computernutzung; Atomphysik; Kernphysik; Drawing; Zeichnen; Einführungskurs
Abstract	Lewis structures are a very important, foundational concept in chemistry. Students usually acquire this knowledge in General Chemistry and need to review it in preparation for Organic Chemistry. However, many students find the task of drawing Lewis structures to be challenging, and not all instructors can budget enough time in class to review this material when they start Organic Chemistry. To address this issue, we created a web application (web app; Lewis Structure Builder) that lets students review Lewis structures in their own time, allowing them to position individual atoms, build and break bonds, and get real-time feedback on the accuracy of their structures. The web app was designed to be intuitive, requiring very little training to use, and students could use desktops, laptops, or mobile devices to participate. In working through a sequence of target molecules to build, students had the freedom to try out different atomic structures to see what works and receive real-time feedback about their decisions. Upon successful completion of a molecule, students received visual and haptic feedback as a form of positive reinforcement. Afterward, students saw their solution next to the same molecule shown as an extended structure and as built using a model kit. A pilot study was conducted with 37 students who were enrolled in Organic Chemistry I. Participants were given an assessment to determine their level of proficiency in drawing Lewis structures, followed by an opportunity to use the web app and a post-test. After using the web app, 21% of the participants showed improved outcomes, and most students reported satisfaction with the user interface and perceived benefits from the experience. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01