MicroscopyEducation
An Interactive Online Electron Microscopy Platform Integrating Classroom Lectures and Lab Practice
Noah Freed, Devon Butler, Allison Cairns, Rick Hugo, Jun Jiao, and Zhiqiang Chen* Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication, Portland State University, 1025 SW Mill St., Portland, OR 97201
*
zhiqiang@pdx.edu
Abstract: The Online Electron Microscopy Platform makes electron microscopy education accessible by combining simulation-based practice with a range of educational content. Students learn how to operate electron microscopes by using virtual microscopes that precisely simulate the functions of real microscopes. Built as a web application, the platform can be used by an unlimited number of people and at any time. This platform reduces the time needed for training users to operate a real microscope. By preparing students in STEM disciplines to use electron microscopes, the system helps them acquire the skills they need to succeed in the modern workforce.
Keywords: electron microscope, simulator, online education, train- ing, microscope operation
Introduction Electron microscopy skills are valuable in today’s work-
force, with increased demand anticipated in the near future. However, electron microscopy skills are difficult to acquire due to the need to train on expensive equipment under instruc- tor supervision. Becoming an independent user of an elec- tron microscope is a time-intensive process, in our experience requiring at least 16 hours of one-on-one training. It takes a much longer time to become an efficient user. However, a typi- cal electron microscopy class is only able to provide each stu- dent with about 4 hours of individual hands-on training over the duration of the course. One way to provide students with more opportunities to learn is through remote operation of an electron microscope in a digital lecture theater [1]. Another approach is to make model electron microscopes available to students [2]. However, even with these approaches it is still difficult to provide students with sufficient hands-on time for them to become proficient users. Online education has the potential to provide opportunities
for students to learn without such time limits. Various online education systems emerged in the late 1990s, including MIT OpenCourseWare, Stanford Engineering Everywhere, Cours- era, and edX [3–9]. However, these platforms only offer lec- ture videos and are not able to provide lab practice. An online simulator provides a valuable supplement to time on the actual microscope, in that it both reduces the hands-on instrument time needed as well as increases the proficiency level of the users. Inspired by aviation simulators, the Online Electron Micros- copy Platform (OEMP) at Portland State University (PSU) offers
46 doi:10.1017/S1551929520000656
interactive online electron microscopy education and training via adaptive virtual microscope (VM) simulators (Figure 1). An extensive online search found there are presently six differ- ent scanning electron microscope (SEM) VMs [10–14] and two transmission electron microscope (TEM) VMs [15,16] available online. Te University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Vir- tual Microscope project provides a simple SEM simulator [12]. Te Wartburg College Virtual Scanning Electron Microscope [13] provides basic instruction and an interactive learning tool displaying various parts of the microscope, it includes a guided microscope “tour,” and it reproduces an electron micrograph. Another virtual SEM at the University of Virginia provides basic information through animation and videos [14]. Te most complete simulator system to date is the K–12
education outreach project called MyScope virtual SEM [11] and TEM [15]. More advanced virtual TEMs have been devel- oped by Taiwan National Hsinchu University of Education (NHCUE) [16]. NHCUE uses new technologies in virtual real- ity and provides excellent graphics and electron optics. With support from the W. M. Keck Foundation, the Cen-
ter for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication (CEMN) at Portland State University has developed web-based electron microscopy education soſtware: the Online Electron Micros- copy Platform (OEMP). Te platform includes a TEM simula- tor, a range of educational content, a virtual specimen database, and ways for the user to customize their learning experience. Te OEMP provides students the opportunity to learn electron microscopy anytime, anywhere. Te OEMP is different from existing online microscopy edu-
cation in four areas [17,18]: 1) the OEMP incorporates lectures and a materials database with laboratory practice through instru- ment operation simulations; 2) the database allows researchers and industrial professionals to deposit new findings; 3) contents can be iteratively designed, piloted, and evaluated to augment EM simulators, associated new companion curricula, and ongo- ing classes to validate our approach; and 4) the OEMP is designed and operated as a comprehensive education platform based on online benchmarks provided by the Institute for Higher Educa- tion Policy [19]. In short, there is no virtual electron microscopy soſtware, platform, or system that pursues simulation-based materials characterization education like the OEMP.
www.microscopy-today.com • 2020 March
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