Design, development and implementation of a technology enhanced hybrid course on molecular symmetry: Students' outcomes and attitudes

Abstract

A hybrid course of Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory which combines traditional face-to-face instruction with an online web enhanced learning environment within a Course Management System was designed, developed, and implemented with a purpose to establish an active and student-centred educational setting. Multi-representational educational material enclosing 3D interactive molecular visualization applets was designed, developed, and effectively integrated in the course in order to enhance students' learning and enable practice with molecular symmetry concepts. Moodle was utilized for content delivery in study blocks, formative online assessment, final examination, student tracking, communication and feedback. The hybrid instructional model provides an efficient mode of integration of visualization tools in the teaching and learning process. The findings over three years of implementation of the hybrid course reveal its positive impact on students' involvement with the course content during the whole semester, on students' performance as well as on their satisfaction with their educational experience.