Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

The Uiuc Virtual Spectrometer: A Java-Based Collaborative Learning Environment, Michael C. Dorneich, Patricia M. Jones

Michael C. Dorneich

The development of the UIUC Virtual Spectrometer (UIUC-VS), an interactive, Java-based simulation and tutoring system, is discussed. The apprenticeship model oflearning is utilized to create a learning environment for the study of a one-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment, with the goal of linking theoretical knowledge with practical operational experience. Active, exploratory, apprentice-style learning is supported via modes of operation within the system. Students can flexibly choose to "observe the expert" perform and explain operational steps, or "act as an apprentice" and carry out the steps autonomously. Students can switch between modes at their discretion, giving them control of …