Description:
A laboratory is a room equipped to conduct scientific experiments, test, investigations, or to manufactures compounds like chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Laboratories are an essential part of science-based curriculum, however, they are a resource largely unavailable to to online students. As enrollment in online classes is increasing, science courses must be adaptable to meet the needs of the online student.
This technology is a device outfitted with a variety of sensors common to measurement-based physical science courses. The software uses a computer USB connection to guide the learner through experiments, while experimental data is visualized, plotted, and saved. It can also be developed to provide instruction and tailored feedback to guide learning on a student-by-student basis. Student data and evaluation metrics can be sent electronically.
Reference Number: D-1259
Market Applications:
- Teaching institutions
- Research institutions
Features, Benefits, & Advantages:
- Makes lab distance learning possible
- Provides authentic laboratory instruction to distance students
- Allows students to complete actual experiments using real sensors
Intellectual Property: A US provisional patent, serial number 62422398, was filed on 11/15/16.
Development Stage: A prototype of this technology is under development.
Researchers:
- Jon Thompson, Chemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
- Qing Zhang, Chemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Keywords: online laboratory software, hands-on-science, online software