Abstract:

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has shown a great improvement in student learning and the development of better teaching methods. The integration of ICT in the classroom has a significant and positive impact on student achievement, being an essential tool in Analytical Chemistry which ensures the student´s comprehension of abstract concepts.
ICT is normally employed in theoretical lessons for the assimilation of the concepts. However, in Analytical Chemistry laboratory classes can also be very useful, especially when complicated concepts of difficult comprehension are encountered. Thus, this type of material can be an alternative to improve student attendance and concentration in the laboratory, not only in the classroom.
It is noteworthy to mention that Stripping voltammetry, as other parts of Electroanalytical chemistry, involves new and abstract concepts for the students which attend demotivated to the laboratory. Because of that, two interactive teaching materials have been created for the practical session based on “Anodic Stripping Voltammetry”.
In these interactive activities, the basic principles of Anodic Stripping Voltammetry are shown. Each step of the voltammetric process is described using simulated animations. These activities illustrate what takes place in the voltammetric cell when this technique is applied to the determination of heavy metals. The voltammograms are obtained and the peak intensity is plotted against the amount of metal added. The data are randomly generated.
These activities have been proposed for different subjects and degrees: “Techniques in Chemical Analysis” of Environmental Sciences and Marine Sciences degrees; “Instrumental Techniques in Environmental Analysis” of Environmental Sciences degree; “Use of Advance Equipments in Water Analysis” of Master in Integral Water Management; European Master in Quality in Analytical Laboratories (EMQAL) and the Master course: “Chemistry For The Control And Quality Of The Environment, Challenges Of Modern Chemistry And Biochemical Ecology” inside the University Collaboration between University of Cadiz-University of Al-Farabi of Kazakhstan. More than 200 students have participated in the activity last three academic years 2011-2012, 2012-2013 and 2013-2014.
A survey to evaluate the quality of the teaching material from the student point of view was carried out with each group of students. In general, excellent results were obtained indicating the enormous acceptance of the students for this type of activities no matter their level and degree.
In conclusion, through ICT, Analytical Chemistry professors are able to create interactive lessons and make laboratory sessions with abstract concepts more enjoyable, which can improve students concentration and motivation.

Keywords:

Stripping Voltammetry, ICT, Laboratory, Teaching Innovation.