USING B-LEARNING IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY DEGREES

Although it is certain that the concept of e-learning has manifold definitions [1], in our case we apply this concept as any tool used in the education where everything or part of the formation process education-learning uses electronic tools. These electronic tools could not be only Internet way, also could be virtual learning with computers, classrooms, DVD applications, etc.
In this work we compare two different methodologies. In the Chemistry I subject no e-learning tools were used with a set of 105 students of Chemistry and Biochemistry degrees. In the Chemistry II subject, with the same set of students we apply different e-learning tools: LMS manager (Learning Management Systems) called “Campus Extens” was used [2]. Within in this system our students can use debate’s forums, work accomplishment online, questionnaires, chat, etc, in the education-learning process. In addition different Web applications were used during the course to explain some conceptual aspects treated in the subject [3,4]. Also additional materials in DVD allowed the students to practice with the acquired knowledge.
Both subjects belong to the first course of degrees of Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Space European of higher education (EEES). General Chemistry belongs to the basic module of formation (Degree in Chemistry of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB)), integrated by theoretical subject Chemistry I and the practical subjects of General Chemistry laboratory I and General Chemistry laboratory II. The fundamental objective of this subject is that the student acquires the level of general knowledge of chemistry [5,6].
How to change the results obtained by the students that use e-learning? In this work an individualized study of the set of 105 students has been done. We compared the remarkable differences in the results obtained by the students through Chemistry I and Chemistry II in the course of the academic year.

[1]http://campus.usal.es/~teoriaeducacion/rev_numero_06_2/n6_02_art_garcia_penalvo.htm
[2]http://campusextens.uib.cat
[3] http://bcs.whfreeman.com/chemicalprinciples3e/
[4] http://winter.group.shef.ac.uk/orbitron/
[5] Orientacions i Criteris de la UIB per adptar la docència a l’EEES. Universidad de les illes balears. ISBM 978-84-8384-090-0.
[6]Guías docentes adaptadas al espacio europeo de educación superior. Oficina de Convergència i Harmonització Europea. Institut de Ciències de l’Educació. Vicerectorat d’Ordenació Acadèmica i Convergència Europea. ISBN: 978-84-8384-016-0.