Simulation of laboratory assignments to support students’ learning of introductory inorganic chemistry

The goal of this investigation was to elucidate undergraduate chemistry students’ response to the SimuLab computer-based learning environment, which simulates a 20 hours laboratory assignment. The SimuLab is a cognitive tool designed to help students to acquire experimental and analytical skills on the basis of a classical qualitative and quantitative analysis scheme and to develop their ability to interpret experimental results. Consistent with the intentions behind the design, students seemed to acknowledge the learning potential of the simulation program. They found it motivating and creating attention towards the practical application of declarative knowledge. We also found SimuLab to support students in the accomplishment of cognitive tasks and to enhance their skills in the context of the investigation. Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2006, 7 (4), 266-279