1st March 1986
This package, The Mole Concept, in the Secondary Science series breaks new ground by being in the format of "computer synchronised audio". This means that a tape commentary - spoken by Fred Harris - is played while the software runs. The two are kept in step by the simply method of pressing a key when Fred tells you to.
The programs are disc based only. In fact the driver is kept very busy throughout the presentation which lasts about half an hour. During that time, you will be stunned by the beautiful graphics that your computer can produce, seemingly instantly.
The package aims to teach or reinforce the chemist's rather specialised concept of a mole. To him it is a unit of measurement, not a furry animal. This is achieved by tutorial sessions followed by questions. When used with pupils aged 15 to 16, there seems to be a good balance between teaching and questioning and the novel presentation of the information encourages them to solve the problems.
If any pupil finds questions difficult then a worked answer is given on the screen.
The topic is covered thoroughly during the presentation, with domestic and industrial applications brought in. In fact, long after Fred Harris has finished talking you can still be carrying out titration simulations and working out the molarity of solutions.
The accompanying booklet implies that this software should be used by individual students. Many schools would not be able to afford the computer time for this, but in fact the software works well with groups of pupils.
However it is used, there can be little doubt that students on an O level or CSE chemistry courses will benefit from this software. These pupils enjoy the novel format, the interesting voice and a touch of humour, not to mention the really lovely graphics. The learning they achieve is almost a side issue, but in fact a lot of knowledge sinks in.
This is a program that chemistry teachers really should find time for. It is a positive aid for pupils in coming to terms with this difficult idea.
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