Simulated Interactive Research Experiments as Educational Tools for Advanced Science
- Author(s)
- Mathias Tomandl, Thomas Mieling, Christiane Maria Losert-Valiente Kroon, Martin Hopf, Markus Arndt
- Abstract
Experimental research has become complex and thus a challenge to science education. Only very few students can typically be trained on advanced scientific equipment. It is therefore important to find new tools that allow all students to acquire laboratory skills individually and independent of where they are located. In a design-based research process we have investigated the feasibility of using a virtual laboratory as a photo-realistic and scientifically valid representation of advanced scientific infrastructure to teach modern experimental science, here, molecular quantum optics. We found a concept based on three educational principles that allows undergraduate students to become acquainted with procedures and concepts of a modern research field. We find a significant increase in student understanding using our Simulated Interactive Research Experiment (SiReX), by evaluating the learning outcomes with semi-structured interviews in a pre/post design. This suggests that this concept of an educational tool can be generalized to disseminate findings in other fields.
- Organisation(s)
- Quantum Optics, Quantum Nanophysics and Quantum Information, Basic Experimental Physics Training and University Didactics, Center for Science Education Research (AECCs)
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
- Volume
- 5
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/srep14108
- Publication date
- 09-2015
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 503013 Subject didactics of natural sciences
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/simulated-interactive-research-experiments-as-educational-tools-for-advanced-science(dcad6d55-cd57-4186-b49d-ab4e5fd2fc66).html