The Future of Education

A highly successful online introductory science course (with lab component) has recently been developed at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) in San Antonio, Texas.  The course is designed for undergraduate non science majors.   The objective of the course is to introduce today’s science in a fun and interactive way through “do-at-home” activities, original video, and animations of scientific concepts.  Integral to the course is a YouTube Channel titled “Science with Bobert” where the videos in this channel revolve around the instructor, Dr. Smith, and his dog, Bobert.  The videos combine humor, music, slow motion video, and Claymation to explain scientific concepts found in our daily lives.  Topics include Newton’s Laws, pressure, density, and forces.  Fundamental discussions of probability, surface area, meteorology, polymers, radioactivity, and microbes are also investigated. The course guides students in applying scientific concepts through hands-on activities demonstrated with each topic.  For instance students create their own cell phone blocker through a simplistic understanding of light, make objects levitate using static electricity, or play catch with bubbles with an appropriate application of surface tension.  All activities students are asked to perform require the use of items found in the home or easily available at a store.  In each activity students repeat what they saw in the video and document (i.e. take pictures) their successful attempt.  This is followed by the student modifying the activity in some minor way at their choosing and documenting any change in the result of their modified activity.  Students then post a statement along with their documentation on an online discussion group devoted to the course.   This presentation discusses common barriers to a successful online course and an overview of how “Science with Bobert” appears to overcome these barriers.  The positive impact of the course on student interest and engagement in science is evidenced through student course evaluations, improved passing rates, and the excitement reflected in postings obtained from the online discussion group.

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