Abstracts
Abstract
General education science courses at a Canadian postsecondary institution implemented Beyond Labz virtual science labs. Faculty members teaching vocational science-related courses tested this resource. This qualitative study explores faculty member and learner perceptions of the efficacy of these virtual labs in terms of ease of use, designing hands-on activities, student engagement, and accessibility. Data are collected via a focus group, surveys, meetings, and interview notes. The study found that learners and faculty members may have different perceptions of the importance of virtual labs for the development of various skills. From the data, five themes emerge related to addressing the needs of diverse learners and utilizing multiple affordances of virtual labs. Although science virtual labs are perceived as a useful tool for teaching and learning science, faculty members identify barriers such as the need to develop digital literacy skills and initial training and institutional support when introducing new tools. Recommendations for effective science virtual labs curriculum integration are included.
Keywords:
- polytechnic institutions,
- science virtual labs,
- faculty professional development,
- general education,
- education technology
Résumé
Les cours de sciences en éducation générale dans un établissement postsecondaire canadien ont mis en oeuvre les laboratoires scientifiques virtuels Beyond Labz. Les membres du corps enseignant dispensant des cours de sciences à vocation professionnelle ont testé cette ressource. Cette étude qualitative explore les perceptions des membres du corps enseignant et des apprenants sur l'efficacité de ces laboratoires virtuels en termes de facilité d'utilisation, de conception d'activités pratiques, d'engagement des étudiants et d'accessibilité. Les données sont recueillies par l’entremise d’un groupe de discussion, de sondages, de réunions et de notes d'entrevue. L'étude a révélé que les apprenants et les membres du corps enseignant peuvent avoir des perceptions différentes de l'importance des laboratoires virtuels pour le développement de diverses compétences. À partir des données, cinq thèmes émergent concernant la prise en compte des besoins de divers apprenants et l'utilisation des multiples avantages des laboratoires virtuels. Bien que les laboratoires virtuels de sciences soient perçus comme un outil utile pour l'enseignement et l'apprentissage des sciences, les membres du corps enseignant identifient des obstacles tels que la nécessité de développer des compétences en littératie numérique, une formation initiale et un soutien institutionnel lors de l'introduction de nouveaux outils. Des recommandations pour une intégration efficace des laboratoires virtuels de sciences dans le programme d'études sont incluses.
Mots-clés :
- développement professionnel des membres du corps enseignant,
- éducation générale,
- établissements polytechniques,
- laboratoires scientifiques virtuels,
- technologie éducative
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