MicroscopyEducation
simulator greatly improved my learning outcome.” We also found a positive correlation between OEMP use and the scores students received on assignments and exams in the TEM class (Figure 7).
Challenges and Potential Solutions While the OEMP is a useful tool for teaching
students electron microscopy, we did encounter some challenges that should be considered. Tese challenges are common to many forms of online education. Student adaptability: Switching from con-
ventional classroom and face-to-face instructor lab training to web-based training in the simulator makes the learning experience entirely different for students. For some students, their resistance to change makes it difficult for them to adapt to the online learning environment if they also have an option for a traditional classroom and lab. Students with a “traditional” mindset find it difficult to adapt to online training opportunities. Student time management and self-motiva-
Figure 3: The main page of the Online Electron Microscopy Platform illustrating the process for accessing a simulator and options available for the type of instrument, deposited speci- mens and case studies, and pages for adding specimen information to the database.
tion: Self-motivation is an essential requirement for online learning, however, many students lack it. Some students take the class because it is a required class for their degree. Tese students learn simply to pass the class. It is a challenge to help these students find the motivation to follow the online education program and to also properly equip themselves for future challenges in their education and careers. We hope to address these challenges through
various means. Solutions take the form of changes to the platform or additional programs built around the platform. Potential approaches we are consider- ing include:
• Offering workshops to help bridge the gap between in-person and online learning,
• Incorporating additional feedback and progress tracking into the platform,
• Creating discrete problem sets for learning how to apply different techniques, and
• Developing a certification program to acknowl- edge and reward mastery of electron microscopy techniques.
By augmenting the platform and introducing new programs to maximize student engagement, we intend to help students across STEM disciplines learn electron microscopy.
Conclusion and Future Development Te OEMP has been developed successfully
Figure 4: An image from the syllabus page for the TEM course showing some of the options available for study. By selecting the appropriate option, users can adjust their academic focus.
2020 March •
www.microscopy-today.com
to integrate conventional classroom learning with high-fidelity lab practice. Te OEMP offers lecture presentations, quizzes, Q&A, group study, and mul- tiple learning paths. Te platform allows students to customize their own syllabus and learning objec- tives. Te site supports dynamic content updates by user and instructor submissions. Planned future development includes improved support for multi-element specimens; simulators
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