Group Online E-chats as Learning Aides for Analytical Chemistry

Abstract

As an online supplement to course work, online discussions (or E-chats) were set up for students to interact in groups. As most chemical research is performed in collaborative groups, students discussed (1) analytical chemistry in society, (2) writing a scientific paper subjected to peer review, and (3) analytical techniques not discussed in class, together and online in collaborative groups. Students' attitudes on the effectiveness of online assignments are surveyed and improvement of understanding of analytical chemistry is judged over the assignments. Student participation in these online assignments exceeded the expectations and supported the effectiveness of this tool.