Abstract:

Nowadays, the task of inspiring student engagement and motivation remains a challenge in the field of higher education. For this reason, active learning methodologies are becoming increasingly common, especially in the science and technology educational field, which requires practical demands and a wide range of skills. In this context gamification stands out as an interesting innovative educational tool, which promotes active student participation, amplifies the practical application of knowledge, boosts motivation and offers a more accurate assessment of student understanding. Moreover, this educational resource combines the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), teamwork and learning [1]. This study describes an active digital learning initiative implemented through virtual education at the Rey Juan Carlos University during the 2023-2024 academic year. The experience was carried out in a coordinated way between two different subjects of 2nd course of the Food Science and Technology degree: Food Analysis Techniques and Food Chemistry. Nonetheless, the learning acquired with the activity can be useful for other interrelated subjects, such as: Analysis and Quality Control of Foods (3rd course), Analytical Control of Contaminants in Food and Technology and Characterization of Dairy Products (4th course). The experience was designed as a mandatory activity prior to the laboratory practices. It involved a virtual tour performed through the Genially online tool. This tour encompassed a detailed exploration of the facilities and key equipment within the three laboratories where the students conduct their laboratory practices. It also included fundamental procedures which are essential for conducting experiments in food analysis. Likewise, throughout the tour, the students had to overcome different challenges and quizzes related to the information displayed on the tour (i.e., identify primary glassware and instrumental equipment, quality and types of chemical reagents degrees, chemical waste disposal management, recognize the arrangement of a sensory analysis laboratory, etc.). There was a total of 34 challenges within the tour which scored up to 9 points. Once the activity was finished, a satisfaction survey was conducted to the students. Filling out this survey added one more point to the score. The average score obtained by the students in the activity was a 7.8, what reveals that most of the students were able to successfully complete the activity and achieve a good score. Additionally, the students valued the activity positively, highlighting it usefulness and its ability to improve motivation for practical work. Finally, once the laboratory practices were performed, a new survey was conducted to assess the impact of the activity in the students. 71% of the students believed the activity has helped them to face the laboratory practices since they had a better understanding of the organization in the laboratory. The laboratory teachers also observed an improvement and recommended conducting the activity before entering the laboratories in other subjects or programs. Overall, the positive grades and evaluations obtained from both students and teachers confirm that the proposed activity enhances practical skills and student motivation.

References:
[1] Okolie, J. A., & Okoye, P. U. (2023). The Infusion of Gamification in Promoting Chemical Engineering Laboratory Classes. Encyclopedia, 3(3), 1058-1066.

Keywords:

Virtual Tour, Education preceding laboratory practices, Food Science and Technology, Motivation, Cross-disciplinary skills.