Collaboration in the Human Sciences
Teaching Dissolved Oxygen concept in University students, using the Real-time Microcomputer-Based Laboratory (MBL) kit by “Science Cube”.
The Real time Microcomputer-Based Laboratory (MBL) kit by Science Cube was used to apply a teaching scenario to volunteering fourth year students of the department of Geology, University of Patras. The main objectives of the scenario were the construction of Dissolved Oxygen concept in water samples (drinking/ sea water), the identification of brackish water type, the implementation of a complete experimental process of all the involving stages and skills (calibration of instruments, sampling-data collection/saving/uploading, double data representation (plots and tables of values), data processing, prediction, conclusion and generalization, prepare to restore instruments) by incorporating social practices of reference (students in the role of professionals). Activities were mediating by the tool. Activities incorporated constructivist teaching/learning strategies and were student-centered. The instructor was a facilitator. Assessment and metacognitive activities showed that the concepts were sufficiently constructed. Moreover students’ motivation, self-efficacy, high level capabilities (i.e. cognitive, emotional, social) and skills were enhanced. However few relevant studies are found in the literature. Thus collaborative interdisciplinary scenarios implementation on environmental sciences is suggested, among Universities in Europe and the USA. The cognitive progress of students could be assessed by quantitative methods while qualitative methods could depict student’s opinions and feedback shared online through concept mapping.