The evolution of learning design continues, focusing on blended laboratory approaches incorporating technology. The Sophisticated Thinking Laboratory (STB-LAB) and Gather Town are key tools in implementing collaborative learning in this context. This study assesses the effectiveness of blended laboratory implementation using STB-LAB and Gather…

Scientific literature was used to give a research oriented context to our immunology lab course. Immunology lab, a senior level course (60 students/year) was formerly taught in a traditional mode, with exercises aimed at learning lab protocols. To engage students in understanding we connected the protocols to their use as reported in research…

A new challenge in science education at the university level is the implementation of effective field components within online courses. In nationwide online graduate geoscience courses composed of practicing teachers (N = 130), Google Earth laboratory exercises were incorporated to provide virtual field experiences. Student opinions of these…

Computer-based tools that enable students to collect, display and analyse data in real time have catalysed the design of a laboratory curriculum that allows students to master a coherent body of physics concepts while acquiring traditional laboratory skills. This paper describes "RealTime Physics", a sequenced introductory laboratory curriculum…

Discusses reasons and need for experimental laboratories in engineering education. (SL)

Evolutionary processes can be studied in nature and in the laboratory, but time and financial constraints result in few opportunities for undergraduate and high school students to explore the agents of genetic change in populations. One alternative to time consuming and expensive teaching laboratories is the use of computer simulations. We…

Provides a description and evaluation of a university's recently instituted physics learning center. Photos and text reveal some uses of the facility. (Author/CP)

This paper presents the procedures, results and conclusions of a study designed to determine whether three different methodological approaches to the laboratory for a general education physical science course would lead to the same behavioral outcomes. Students enrolled in the physical science course were randomized into one of three laboratory…

Features of a biology demonstration laboratory designed to handle large number of students and provide opportunities for using materials including live specimens for practical work are described. The design of the demonstration laboratory is given. (PS)

Explored were the effects on student attitudes of autotutorial laboratory instruction in a lower-division life sciences course designed for nonbiology majors at Skyline College, San Bruno, California. Positive results indicate the effectiveness of this mode of instruction in enhancing attitudes of students towards their learning and this…

Presents the procedures, results and conclusions of a study designed to evaluate the relative effectiveness of two approaches to a general education earth science course at the college level. (LC)

Describes the ERAT (electronic-response and audiotutorial modes of instruction) system which is used to teach biology to non-science majors at Ball State University. Outlines the course content, the student activities involved in using this system, the role of the instructor, and the value of technology in education. (JR)

Outlines similarities and differences in student responses to surveys (1975 and 1979) on a science resource center, focusing on number and duration of student visits, and activities in and satisfaction with the center. Includes comments about the intentions and the effects of operating such a center. (Author/SK)

Describes self-paced freshmen courses in electronics using study guides with questions answerable entirely from laboratory measurements. Discusses the problem of supplying students with needed results of evaluation quickly. No statistics are included. (GH)