The Advantages of the Conceptual Chemistry Curriculum for:

•Online college courses
•Large enrollment college courses
•Small enrollment college courses
•High School College-Prep
•Home Schooling

Large enrollment college courses

While large enrollment classes offer many economical advantages, there are certain disadvantages when it comes to student learning. For example, in a large class the student

• rarely gets direct eye contact with the professor
• often does not get to see chemical demonstration up close
• is not likely to stop the professor when the professor says something the student didn't hear or was confused about
• is often not given the time to digest the information presented
• can easily skip class without being noticed
• is usually referred to a teaching assistant for problems they may be having
• is less likely to develop a personal report with the professor

Conceptual Chemistry Alive! focuses on delivering the concepts of chemistry to each student in a personalized environment. The author looks directly to the student and provides close-up views of chemical demonstrations. If the student misses a thought, a graphic, an animation, or a demo, it can be seen again with a click of the mouse. Video lessons have been edited into bite-sized 7 minute clips, which end with a series of three concept check questions that help the student know whether they have captured the major points. The CDs are portable, which means the student can view the lessons at a time of their convenience. Furthermore, through Conceptual Chemistry Alive! students have access to the author, who like any teaching assistant, is there to motivate the student to come to class prepared.

With Conceptual Chemistry Alive! the instructor has the option of requiring students to watch formal video presentations of the concepts before coming to class. Student-centered learning activities can thus become the prime focus of class time. Such activities tend to put students in the spotlight and that can be a great motivator. For example, a student who knows that he or she will need to explain ideas to fellow students during class is more likely to come to class prepared. With CCAlive! the students can go home for their lectures, and come to campus to study under the careful guidance of their course instructor.