title: Complementing Neurophysiology Education for Developing Countries via Cost-Effective Virtual Labs: Case Studies and Classroom Scenarios.
abstract: Classroom-level neuroscience experiments vary from detailed protocols involving chemical, physiological and imaging techniques to computer-based modeling. The application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is revolutionizing the current laboratory scenario in terms of active learning especially for distance education cases. Virtual web-based labs are an asset to educational institutions confronting economic issues in maintaining equipment, facilities and other conditions needed for good laboratory practice. To enhance education, we developed virtual laboratories in neuroscience and explored their first-level use in (Indian) University education in the context of developing countries. Besides using interactive animations and remotely-triggered experimental devices, a detailed mathematical simulator was implemented on a web-based software platform. In this study, we focused on the perceptions of technology adoption for a virtual neurophysiology laboratory as a new pedagogy tool for complementing college laboratory experience. The study analyses the effect of virtual labs on users assessing the relationship between cognitive, social and teaching presence. Combining feedback from learners and teachers, the study suggests enhanced motivation for students and improved teaching experience for instructors.
authors.affiliation: Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam, Kerala, India 690525;
authors.forename: Shyam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Diwakar
authors.affiliation: Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam, Kerala, India 690525;
authors.forename: Harilal
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Parasuram
authors.affiliation: Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam, Kerala, India 690525;
authors.forename: Chaitanya
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Medini
authors.affiliation: Center for Research in Advanced Technologies for Education (CREATE), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India;
authors.forename: Raghu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Raman
authors.affiliation: Center for Research in Advanced Technologies for Education (CREATE), Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India;
authors.forename: Prema
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nedungadi
authors.affiliation: Macalester College, St. Paul, MN. USA;
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wiertelak
authors.affiliation: Indian Institute of Technology - Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: Sanjeeva
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.affiliation: Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam, Kerala, 690525, India;
authors.forename: Krishnashree
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Achuthan
authors.affiliation: Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kollam, Kerala, India 690525;
authors.forename: Bipin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nair
keywords: ICT; neuron simulator; neuroscience; pedagogy; teaching tool; virtual lab