Immersive Learning in Organic Chemistry

Teaching organic chemistry often requires helping students navigate abstract concepts like molecular shapes or stereochemistry. These topics require students to connect what they see in the lab (macroscopic), 2D representations like bond-line structures (symbolic), and 3D molecular models (particulate). Understanding these representations is key to learning stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms, but research has shown that students struggle to make these kinds of connections (Davidowitz et al., 2010; Luxford & Bretz, 2014; Rosenthal & Sanger, 2012).

For example, students may struggle to connect 2D bond-line structures to 3D ball-and-stick models, as well as mentally rotate these models to assign R and S or understand structural changes that occur during chemical reactions. These challenges highlight the need for additional, scaffolded practice opportunities. While physical model kits are helpful, their use in large lecture settings can be challenging.

Extended Reality (XR) technologies address these challenges by giving students access to interactive, 3D molecular models they can explore and manipulate. Tools like the point-click-and-rotate 3D models in these activities offer hands-on learning that helps overcome the challenges of static resources and large classes. XR will not replace more common tools but can enhance them, offering educators another way to deepen student learning.

Scaffolded Interactives

To help students master skills that are often barriers to success, the activities use scaffolded interactives designed to build understanding incrementally. This step-by-step approach reduces cognitive load and frustration, helping to develop students’ confidence as they work through the steps.

Engaging Narrative

The storyline captures attention and reinforces the real-world relevance of both stereochemistry and substitution and elimination reactions.

1. In the R & S Stereochemistry activity, students assist glutathione, a molecular "hero," in combating oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), guided by a virtual mentor modeled after Dr. Marie Maynard Daly.
2. In the Substitution and Elimination Reactions activity, students engage in practices similar to those of epigenetic researchers, once again under the guidance of Dr. Daly.

These narratives connect the topics to real-world applications, motivating students and providing meaningful context for the importance of these skills.

Gamification

A digital laboratory notebook organizes the steps within the activities, tracks progress, and awards badges for completing milestones. By celebrating achievements, these elements help students stay motivated when working through challenging topics, making the learning experience both fun and rewarding.

Immediate Feedback

Students receive immediate, targeted feedback through embedded assessment questions. Video explanations clarify common mistakes, reinforce learning, and guide students toward correct solutions. This feature supports independent learning while reducing the need for frequent instructor intervention.

The activities and XR 3D models are designed for sophomore-level college organic chemistry courses while also providing the flexibility to adapt to diverse teaching contexts.

The XR 3D models can be integrated into active learning settings, allowing students to collaboratively explore the models or be used by educators to demonstrate key concepts within a lecture to enhance engagement.

Additionally, the full activities are well-suited for extra practice or self-study outside of a typical class period, providing students with an interactive way to reinforce challenging topics. The full R & S Stereochemistry activity is approximately 1 hour long, while the full Substitution & Elimination Reactions activity ranges from 1 to 2 hours.

The activities and XR 3D models can be accessed freely from a typical web browser, with best performance observed when using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on a desktop or laptop computer. While the activities can be accessed on other devices such as phones, tablets, or Chromebooks, desktops/laptops are recommended for the best experience.