Remote Access to Instrumental Analysis for Distance Education in Science

Authors

  • Dietmar Kennepohl Athabasca University - Canada's Open University
  • Jit Baran Chemical Technology Department, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada
  • Martin Connors
  • Kieron Quigley Technology and Curriculum Innovation Department Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
  • Ron Currie Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v6i3.260

Abstract

Remote access to experiments offers distance educators another tool to integrate a strong laboratory component within a science course. Since virtually all modern chemical instrumental analysis in industry now use devices operated by a computer interface, remote control of instrumentation is not only relatively facile, it enhances students’ opportunity to learn the subject matter and be exposed to “real world” contents. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Athabasca University are developing teaching laboratories based on the control of analytical instruments in real-time via an Internet connection. Students perform real-time analysis using equipment, methods, and skills that are common to modern analytical laboratories (or sophisticated teaching laboratories). Students obtain real results using real substances to arrive at real conclusions, just as they would if they were in a physical laboratory with the equipment; this approach allows students to access to conduct instrumental science experiments, thus providing them with an advantageous route to upgrade their laboratory skills while learning at a distance.

Author Biographies

Dietmar Kennepohl, Athabasca University - Canada's Open University

Dietmar Kennepohl is a Professor of chemistry and acting Vice President Academic at Athabasca University ? Canada?s Open University. Dr. Kennepohl?s research interests have included petroleum, main group and coordination chemistry, as well as chemical education concentrating primarily on the use of innovative distance delivery methods for undergraduate laboratory work. Dietmar Kennepohl?s email address is: dietmark@athabascau.ca

Jit Baran, Chemical Technology Department, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

Jit Baran is Supervisor of Technical Services for the Chemical Technology Department, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada. Mr Baran maintains and operates all computer systems (hardware and software) and the network, as well as upgrading, troubleshooting and repairing all advanced instrumental analysis equipment with automation and computer control for the chemical technology program. Mr. Baran can be contacted via email at: jitb@nait.ab.ca

Martin Connors

Martin Connors is an Associate Professor of math and physics, and the Canada Research Chair in Space Science, Instrumentation and Networking at Athabasca University - Canada's Open University. Dr. Connors research involves studying magnetic fields during auroral activity and his teaching duties include developing distance education courses in physics, astrophysics, and mathematics. Dr. Connor?s email address is: martinc@athabascau.ca

Kieron Quigley, Technology and Curriculum Innovation Department Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Kieron Quigley is Activities Coordinator of the Learning Services Department, Technology and Curriculum Innovation Department Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. He develops applications, constructs systems, and designs websites. Mr. Quigley can be contacted via email at: KieronQ@nait.ab.ca

Ron Currie, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

Ron Currie is an Assistant Program Head within the Chemical Technology Program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada. Dr. Currie teaches courses in analytical chemistry and is currently collaborating with industry in writing an online textbook that will serve as the basis for training lab personnel to meet accreditation audits. Dr. Currie can be contacted via email at: rcurrie@nait.ab.ca

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Published

2006-02-22

How to Cite

Kennepohl, D., Baran, J., Connors, M., Quigley, K., & Currie, R. (2006). Remote Access to Instrumental Analysis for Distance Education in Science. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v6i3.260

Issue

Section

Research Articles