Students in introductory chemistry and biology lab courses will now have a fun and engaging way to learn about lab safety, thanks to two new interactive tutorials developed by Kognito Solutions (www.kognito.net) in conjunction with Baruch College, a senior college within The City University of New York.
New York, NY (PRWEB) February 24, 2005 -- Students in introductory chemistry and biology lab courses will now have a fun and engaging way to learn about lab safety, thanks to two new interactive tutorials developed by Kognito Solutions (www.kognito.net) in conjunction with Baruch College, a senior college within The City University of New York.
The core objective of the tutorial is to provide students an experiential (learning-by-doing) approach to lab safety training. Studies have shown that experiential learning produces high levels of cognition and retention. The online tutorials teach students basic lab safety skills, such as how to use their labs safety equipment, how to dress properly for their labs, and how to handle emergencies that may arise. Interactive activities within the tutorials allow students to explore virtual labs, help their virtual lab partner" pick a safe outfit to wear, and handle several emergency scenarios.
Because the tutorials teach the students critical skills, we designed the learning to mirror the application as closely as possible," said Kognitos Lead Instructional Designer Jenelle Boucher. The virtual labs are modeled after the real labs at Baruch, helping students cognitively connect what they learn to real-life situations they will face. Plus, all of the activities are situation specific, giving students effective, life-like practice they cannot safely receive anywhere else."
Beginning this semester, the tutorials are part of the required course materials for Baruchs introductory chemistry and biology courses. Students will access the tutorials online before beginning their major lab work. Each tutorial contains a mandatory quiz at the end to record student participation and assess their understanding.
The Department of Natural Sciences prides itself in having an excellent track record when it comes to lab safety," said Professor Charles Malerich, the primary content contributor and reviewer for the chemistry lab safety tutorial. We believe these two new tutorials will help us continue this tradition by ensuring that all students have a solid foundation in lab safety before beginning their work in the chemistry and biology laboratories."
A demo version of this resource is available at: http://baruch.mykognito.net/chemLabDemo
About Kognito
Kognito Solutions LLC applies the latest empirically-based research in cognitive and behavioral theory to help organizations achieve their learning and training goals in effective and measurable ways. Comprised of learning experts with academic credentials in learning and communication, Kognito develops tutorials, interactive simulations, courses, and in-depth case-study formats utilizing a learner-centered experiential (learning-by-doing") approach that maximizes learning performance and retention rates. Clients include Fortune Global 500 companies, not-for-profit organizations, and leading academic institutions.
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