Abstract:

We describe the production of a series of videos as a novel kind of teaching aid for organic chemistry lab courses at FES Zaragoza, UNAM, in Mexico City. In order to develop materials with an innovative approach, we have employed a diversity of different audio-visual strategies, including dramatizations, testimonials, animations and documentary information. Each program in the series focuses on an organic chemistry technique or strategy. The purpose of these videos is not only to demonstrate techniques and discuss concepts, but also to stimulate critical attitudes in students, by presenting topics as lab events that require information, reasoning and decision making. These videos have been categorized by students as interesting, motivating and useful, since they illustrate the typical doubts and pitfalls of undergraduate students, and convey rational answers to them. We have so far concluded eight out of ten episodes (in Spanish), which can be accessed via the FES Zaragoza Podcast web page.

Keywords:

Organic chemistry techniques, didactic aids, audio-visual material, FES Zaragoza Podcast.