This week we asked students to think about topics for our paper that we will write next quarter. They have had many ideas, although we do not have enough data to use many of them for a professional article. Still, it is good to have them consider the issues.
We found this week that our posters have been accepted for Walden’s winter research symposium in Miami. The students were very excited to hear that their poster will be presented. The faculty were also asked to have a breakout session during the faculty meeting on training faculty on how to develop virtual labs.
I want to emphasize that it is very important to get your research out to the professional field. It does no good to anyone to keep your results and knowledge in a file drawer. It needs to be shared. We are trying to publicize the idea of conducting virtual labs – this is not a fad, but a viable method of collecting data and training students. We have shown the feasibility of it over multiple quarters and projects. We have demonstrated and collected data showing that students learn more by applying their knowledge in a real research project. The other benefit that is apparent, but hard to capture is the excitement and enthusiasm for research that has grown in the students. As they see how research is conducted and are assured that they can do it, their confidence has built. I particularly enjoying seeing the connections they make in the literature and suggestions for future research possibilities. It is the creative aspect that makes it enjoyable for the researcher (and for the instructor).
Lee Stadtlander
No comments:
Post a Comment