The integration of computational chemistry algorithms into a multimedia environment

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Hyde, Richard T. (1996) The integration of computational chemistry algorithms into a multimedia environment. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

Organic chemistry teaching involves the explanation of most phenomena in terms of atomic and molecular models. The main challenge for the student is the creation of mental three-dimensional images of molecules. Unfortunately, many students find the visualisation of the spatial arrangements of molecules a difficult task. For this reason, chemistry teaching has seen the introduction of many innovative teaching tools in an attempt to bring the subject to life for students. Until recently, the cost of computer hardware has prohibited the extensive use of computers within the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. However, the desktop computer has provided a cost-effective platform for developing integrated courseware that presents abstract concepts to the chemistry student.

This thesis begins with a review of the design and evaluation of computer-based learning, together with the integration of computers into chemistry education. Two studies then describe the design, implementation and evaluation of novel computer-aided learning material that combines computational chemistry tools and multimedia courseware. The first study assesses the feasibility of integrating interactive three-dimensional molecular modelling into tutorial instruction to provide a visualisation tool for undergraduate organic chemistry. A detailed evaluation has provided substantial evidence concerning the effectiveness of this technique. The second study involves the design of instructional courseware that combines interactive computational chemistry tools and 'talking head' video narration. An innovative training tool that allows medicinal chemists to study analytical chemistry techniques is described. The evaluation of a prototype package has revealed valuable information concerning the combination of dynamic and interactive media.

Emerging guidelines for the integration of computational chemistry tools and interactive molecular modelling into multimedia courseware and suggestions for further work are proposed.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Shaw, Nick
Jackson, David
Keywords: computer-aided learning, CAL, organic chemistry, three-dimensional molecular modelling, chemistry teaching
Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Science > School of Pharmacy
Item ID: 11765
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 20 Jan 2011 15:00
Last Modified: 16 Dec 2017 17:37
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/11765

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