The Role of Virtual Experiments in Applying the Principles of Good Practice in Teaching

Chickering and Gamson have introduced the principles of good practice in teaching. Then, several attempts to apply those principles in the on-line/distant learning domain of education were reported in the literature. Two types of virtual experiments were performed and reported in this article. The first type is prepared by the instructor to overcome the time, space and extend physical experiment limitation. In addition, it serves as a model for students´ teams to carry out the second type. In the second type, students are divided into teams and work in close contact with their peers and the instructor (facilitator). The realization of the seven principles of good practice in teaching and learning is demonstrated for this type. Furthermore, each team member is playing a leader role for a specified period of time and was providing peer evaluation both for his team members and for other teams.