A journey through a chemistry laboratory could be as easy as playing a computer game for Charles Sturt University (CSU) students working with new technology developed by academic staff.

In a virtual tour, CSU students studying by distance education (DE) can now walk into the undergraduate chemistry teaching laboratory in Wagga Wagga from their home or workplace, explore its facilities, assemble equipment and learn about laboratory procedures.

Developed using computer game style technology by IT lecturer Barney Dalgarno, the Virtual Chemistry Laboratory aims to familiarise DE students with the laboratory before they arrive on campus for residential classes.

“A student’s first laboratory experience can be daunting, but using the 3D model they can take a tour of the facilities, even open drawers and collect and assemble equipment. Having familiarised themselves with the lab virtually, they can then focus on the chemistry concepts underlying their real experiments” said Mr Dalgarno.

As part of a scholarship in teaching grant from CSU, Barney Dalgarno along with chemistry lecturers Dr Andrea Bishop and Dr Dan Bedgood and educational designer William Adlong are assessing the value of the Virtual Chemistry Laboratory for distance students. They will be interviewing students when they are on campus during a four day residential school from next Tuesday, 27 April.

“As one of the largest providers of distance education in Australia, it is important CSU develops new and innovative ways to deliver higher education to students wherever they are based,” said Mr Dalgarno. 

Mr Dalgarno created the Virtual Chemistry Laboratory as part of his doctoral studies. He was awarded the 2002 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Dr Bishop, Dr Bedgood and Mr Adlong were winners of the 2003 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Team Teaching Excellence.