Students' Response to the Use of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) for Teaching Chemistry

Rosamaria Fong, British Columbia Institute of Technology

Abstract

One of the many goals of the pre-entry program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology is to equip students with fresh study habits and the self-confidence they will require for future success. To this end, a Web-based study guide was created to provide the direction and on-going knowledge of results required for personal and academic growth. The web site was intended to:

  1. provide students 24-hour access to the course,
  2. improve students' problem-solving skills in chemistry,
  3. give students instant self-evaluation with interactive problem assignments, and
  4. identify specific problem areas of chemistry that the students face.
This ensures student success by building study habits and improving student confidence through on-going self-assessment and knowledge of results.

Students' evaluation and response to using the Web-based study guide were very positive and helped shape future endeavors. This paper discusses both educational and technical issues. Web links are included to illustrate the HTML frames and JavaScript used to provide ease of navigation and interactivity.