Evaluation of the student perception of student-demonstrator interactions in undergraduate online chemistry laboratory courses.

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This is where the researchers will share information and publications about the above study as it progresses. You can ask questions or comment on the research as we share, or simply follow along as the research progresses.

Participant Information Statement (PIS) for this study:
PIS Student Demo Interactions V3 Clean.pdf

About this study:

Laboratory programs form an integral part of the undergraduate experience for most chemistry students where they learn hands-on research and practical skills that are usually taught via a face-to-face format. The ongoing and unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic requires chemistry educators to adapt these in-person laboratory programs for greater flexibility and with more consideration for online chemistry practical experience. With many challenges faced by students and instructors in an online chemistry educational setting, the maintenance of student-demonstrator engagement and interactions remains one of the top priorities for chemistry educators in the design and implementation of a laboratory course.

In this study, we will explore the perception of undergraduate chemistry students regarding online laboratory experiences. We will focus on three main aspects: 1) the student-demonstrator interactions; 2) the challenges of accessing online learning tools to initiate these interactions; and 3) student preferences for these interactions in either online or face-to-face settings. We will use questionnaires to survey undergraduate students who are undertaking undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses at the University of Sydney.

Findings from this study will better prepare us for a future where online chemistry education becomes a more integral part of the undergraduate student experience. These findings will allow us to refine future iterations of the undergraduate chemistry laboratory programs, by providing more tailored professional development for our demonstrators and offering better support to our students, which will help enhance student learning and satisfaction in our courses.

If you are concerned about the way this study is being conducted or wish to make a complaint to someone independent from the study, please contact the university using the details outlined below. Please quote the study title and project number (listed below).

The Manager, Ethics Administration, University of Sydney:

Telephone:+61 2 8627 8176
Email: ro.humanethics@sydney.edu.au
Fax: +61 2 8627 8177 (Facsimile)
Study name: Public Perceptions of Science and Experiences of Online Science Events
Project number: 2021/748