MANSFIELD, PA— Mansfield University Associate Professor of 
Chemistry Anthony Kiessling attended and presented at the 2015 Hawaii University International STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Conference, held June 13 – 15.
Kiessling’s presentation entitled, “Impact of Video Pre-lab Lectures on Student Lab Performance and Confidence in a Two-semester Organic Course,” discussed the use of pre-lab video lectures in his organic chemistry courses.
“This led to many fruitful discussions with colleagues from the states and other countries about the use of technology to enhance the learning experience of our students,” he said.
Kiessling began experimenting with the production of short informational videos with the encouragement, support, and collective knowledge of MU’s Campus Technologies Department, in particular Nick Andre and Tamela Bastion.
“Nick and Tamela had the technology and knowledge of producing videos that I lacked,” Kiessling said. “I knew what needed to be said to the students in terms of being prepared for lab. So, with a few quick pointers and some equipment, I got to work one Saturday and made my first video about recrystallizing aspirin.”
When asked about the success of the first video Kiessling responded, “I was completely shocked. The students came into that first lab and I asked them if they felt comfortable just starting the lab? Each and every one of them said yes, and I turned them loose in the lab and they got busy.”
The results from that first video convinced Kiessling that the video project was worth pursuing. He noted there was a steep learning curve to producing videos and many weekends were donated to the cause. The project proved worth the time investment as the students constantly reported they were learning from the videos. Statistics gleaned from D2L showed that 70 – 80 % of the students were indeed watching the videos which had been posted to YouTube.
“When the call for papers for the conference came in my email in March, I knew it was worth sharing my experiences with a larger audience,” Kiessling said. “Besides, what better place to have an international conference?”
So, in June Kiessling presented his experiences to other attendees, many from the U.S., but also Southeast Asia, Canada, Russia and Italy, representing all levels of education from K-12 through research universities.
“I’ve never traveled so far to meet someone from Pennsylvania,” said Kiessling, referring to his first conversation with a professor from Penn State. He also attended talks from other faculty about their experiences teaching in their respective fields, hearing many unique and challenging ideas to share with his peers.
To learn more about studying Chemistry at Mansfield, go to mansfield.edu/chemistry-physics/