Science lecturer at IT Sligo, Dr Etain Kiely, has just published a new book that presents a step-by-step approach to developing an interactive virtual learning environment for science students.
It describes the process of developing online tools to aid students’ learning techniques and concepts associated with nanotechnology research.
Lecturing in Maths, Physics, Information Technology and Enquiry Based Learning in the School of Science at IT Sligo, her PhD research used phenomenology to explore the mentoring phenomenon in science teacher education. She is currently supervising PhD’s and Masters in Work-Based Learning, Enhanced Learning Technologies and Curriculum Development.
“College courses in Ireland deal almost exclusively with molecules and macroscale phenomena with little in between while many universities do not have a basic course in fundamental surface and colloid science.
“Preliminary survey research revealed that 96% of researchers believed there was a need for a learning system that would enhance the research of materials at the nanoscale range. In response to this ‘Nanolab’ was developed,” she said.
This system was developed to provide up to date information about facilities and experimental techniques, to reduce the burden on the supervisors and to fully utilize the facilities created by external funding and to attain excellence in nanoscopic materials research.
‘Nanolab’ has been designed, developed and implemented from both the pedagogical and technical perspectives. This book presents the framework for developing a learning system that utilises web-based technology and Flash for interactivity and engagement.
Dr Etain Kiely with a student in IT Sligo.
Nanolab: Virtual Nanotechnology Education: The Design, Development and Implementation of a Web-Based Learning System for Nanoscopic Materials Research is retailing on amazon.co.uk, WH Smith and many international websites.