Chemistry on line – a different experience

Yael Shwartz, Science teaching , Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
Rachel Eidelman, Science teaching , Weizmann Institute of Science, Modiin, Israel
Dvora Brot, Science teaching , Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Davidson Institute , in collaboration with the department of Science Teaching in the Weizmann Institute of Science runs, for the first time, a unique program that allows online learning of chemistry nationwide , at the level of 5 units Matriculation examination (Bagrut) . The program is designed for students that chemistry is not taught in their school for various reasons. The online class allows individual attention of teachers and mentors, diverse pathways of learning and assessment, developing responsibility for student learning , thinking skills , and commitment to learning out of curiosity, discovery and joy. The online class follows the national chemistry syllabus (Published by the Ministry of Education).

With the approval of the Chief scientist at the Ministry of Education, the initiative is accompanied with a research program. We use traditional research methods (questionnaires, interviews) as well as more innovative ones - Educational Data Mining which collects and analyses all automatic information on students functioning in the online learning environment.

Our presentation will focus on the pedagogical aspects of this unique projec.