Resumen de Integration of Molecular Modelling Algorithms with Tutorial Instruction:: Design of an Interactive Three-Dimensional Computer-Assisted Learning Environment for Exploring Molecular Structure
D. E. Jackson, K. Woods, R. T. Hyde, P. N. Shaw
Probably the most difficult skill a student of chemistry has to accomplish is the visualization of three-dimensional (3-D) arrangements of molecules. Spatial ability is a prerequisite to the understanding of a diverse range of molecular topics, from the stereochemistry of organic compounds to receptor-ligand interaction. The integration of tutorial courseware with interactive molecular modelling provides a potential solution to the teaching of molecular visualization. This paper reports the development of such a courseware package within the Microsoft Windows environment. The design of an intuitive interface to a molecular modelling application and its integration with tutorial courseware is described in detail. The assignment of R and S designation to chiral molecules has been used to evaluate the effectiveness of the prototype. Students are encouraged to rotate molecules in 3-D to aid the understanding of stereochemistry. This project has demonstrated the feasibility of combining interactive molecular modelling algorithms and instructional courseware. By allowing students to experiment with powerful software tools we have provided an engaging and highly flexible learning environment.
