With the support of PerkinElmer, the Boston University Spring 2014 organic chemistry class of 50 students taught by Professor Scott Schaus was able to experiment with a wide range of technology in the classroom. Each student was supplied with an iPad, various chemistry apps like ChemDraw, and Chem3D plus given access to a MakerBot for 3D printing. The impact on learning was significant. For example, the three dimensional structure of molecules is key to the development and progression of reactions; having students model, print and then hold chemical structures allowed them to easily grasp sometimes abstract concepts. With iPads students and instructors were able to interact like never before with molecules zipping through the classroom thanks to the gamification of learning. This paper will share Boston University's Spring 2014 CH212 experience with technology and the challenge and opportunity it presents to the existing learning process.

Technology will challenge the existing paradigm for teaching organic chemistry: 3D printing, tablets, & gamification in Boston University's Spring 2014 CH212

248th National Meeting (2014)

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