Creating an autonomous laboratory environment utilizing laptop support

Abstract

The advent of the laptop computer and the broadening access to wireless internet within university campuses has created a new set of possibilities for enhancing laboratory activities. The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of providing online educational materials for use during laboratory activities and identify any advantages or constraints associated with the delivery and utilization of said materials. The methodology of this research began with a review of literature focusing on autonomous learning and educational curriculum content for laboratory enhancement via laptop support and the Internet. Next a series of electronic educational materials was created for laptop access via the internet during a film processing laboratory activity. A survey was then designed to evaluate the effectiveness of student access to the educational materials and that student's ability to effectively complete the activity and autonomously function within the laboratory environment. The professor whos students participated in this study did not alter course content in any way other than notifying the students of the website provided for use during the laboratory activity. After the activity was completed students who wished to participate in the survey were directed to do so via their course website. Of the 96 students who had access to the online educational materials, 20 chose to participate in the survey. Of those subjects who completed the survey 65% had never processed film before. Of those who had not processed film before there was a perfectly even distribution between those who were more confident or less confident with attempting the activity again without any online study aids. This research may be an indication of the effectiveness of providing these study aids via laptop support given the current technological means, operation conflictions, and restraints associated with accessing and utilizing the provided aids.