3D approach in the development of chemistry subject at UTeM: atom cubic

• Main Authors: Bakar, Norasiken, Mohd Hatta, Nuraziera, Shahbodin, Faaizah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: TP Chemical technology; LC Special aspects of education; QD Chemistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/9011/1/NurazieraNorasiken.docx; http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/9011/

This research highlights the development of 3D approach in learning for chemistry subject. Chemistry is one of the compulsory subjects for all undergraduate students in science fields. There are a number of methods to deliver chemistry lessons especially in classes of basic molecular formation theories. Throughout the years, various teaching methods have been adopted to assist students to better understand in learning chemistry subject. Current knowledge delivery in education is dynamically changing to more flexible and reliable. This research attempt to alternatively present new ways of learning chemistry subject by using 3D approach to encounter the problems found from the survey and interview done. The result of interviewed with chemistry lecturer and the students from the faculty of mechanical engineering, Universiti Technical Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), shows that the topic of properties of matter is slightly difficult in visualizing the arrangement of the atoms in the cubic cells. Learning in conventional approach often use the whiteboard and textbook that only shows text and graphic to show the arrangement of the atoms in cubic cells. The arrangement of the atoms in the cubic cells are required learners’ knowledge and metal image, so by using 3D technology approach is possible to applied to assist learners in the topic. This research addresses the impact of using 3D approach in teaching and its advantages over current approach. Besides, 3D model can be rotated around any axis, panned or zoomed in any direction. With 3D viewing also, students are able to position and recognize the object with relation to others scene, enabling a better and more complete visualization and interactive learning process.This research is trying to use the learning based on computer for 3D concept in chemistry subject. Target user for this research is first year student from faculty of mechanical engineering from UTeM and also the chemistry lecturer. This research will increase students and lecturer in easy visualizing this subject. In other word, educational level will be increase parallel with the information technology. Therefore, learning based computer is build to increase the efficiency the student ability of visualization with the aid of multimedia elements. Beside, 3D model atom assists learners to gain more understanding in molecular structure.