Abstract:

The present work will focus on the use of a tool based on the Moodle platform for the improvement of the non-face-to-face learning in the area of chemistry. The aim of this tool is to help students from different science degrees from the UPV/EHU learn the nomenclature in chemistry, a basic foundation for further studies. In fact, one of the common objectives of all first-year chemistry subjects is indeed the use of the chemical language related to the naming of chemical elements and inorganic and organic compounds.

Teaching chemical nomenclature at the university has been relegated to the background during the implementation of the new study plans. Although not having disappeared from the curricula of chemistry subjects and being part of the general or specific competences of various degrees, chemical nomenclature is rarely taught in the classroom. This is mainly a consequence of both the structuring of the new subjects and the reduction of the credit hours. Still, the naming of substances and presentation of formulae both in spoken or in formal written communication are included in some of the specific and transversal competences of the different degrees directly or indirectly related to chemistry (i.e. a chemistry degree vs. a biology degree). Therefore, mastering chemical nomenclature is of the utmost importance for a science graduate.

The design and implementation of this tool seeks to stimulate the autonomous learning of student within the IKD (Ikaskuntza Kooperatibo eta Dinamikoa - Cooperative and Dynamic Learning) educational model of the UPV/EHU. In this first stage, a series of multiple-choice type questionnaires have been developed and the student must select among four options the correct name of a particular compound. This tool has been implemented among first-year chemistry undergraduates. The results obtained have been highly satisfactory since all the students who used this online tool with assiduity passed afterwards the written chemical nomenclature examination.

Keywords:

Innovation, self-learning, Moodle, chemistry, chemical nomenclature.