Improvement of a Sustainable World through the Application of Innovative Didactic Tools in Green Chemistry Teaching: A Review

• Published in: Journal of chemical education 2020-04, Vol.97 (4), p.916-924
• Main Authors: Gawlik-Kobylińska, Małgorzata, Walkowiak, Władysław, Maciejewski, Paweł
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Cognition; Computer Simulation; Conservation (Environment); Didacticism; Digital media; Distance learning; Educational Technology; Electronic Learning; Experiential Learning; Green chemistry; Instructional Design; Interdisciplinary Approach; Learning; New technology; Organic Chemistry; Platforms; Science Education; Science Instruction; Scientific Concepts; Social Media; Sustainability; Sustainable development; Systems Approach; Teaching Methods; Vignettes; Virtual reality
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.9b01038

This article aims to analyze the potential of new technologies in the area of green chemistry didactics. When viewed through the lens of systems thinking, the use of these ubiquitous tools can be a driving force for the development of a sustainable world because of their global use and reach. The authors concentrate on flat e-learning platforms, social media tools, virtual reality platforms, and machinima, as these tools enable learners to participate in different interdisciplinary topics and exercise habits that trigger behavioral changes through learning by doing or learning from mistakes. To demonstrate the potential of innovative didactic tools, examples of mini scenarios for the development of chemistry lessons are provided, and these scenarios promote the sustainability concept and systems thinking. The authors conclude that the pursuit of sustainability goals in chemistry education should involve extended thinking about instructional design and asymmetries in technology use, as well as incorporate green teaching into the principles of green chemistry.