Using Short Videos To Supplement Lectures on Reaction Mechanisms, Organic Spectroscopy, and Polymer Chemistry

We have developed a series of short videos that are 5 – 12 minutes long and introduce students to topics such as curved-arrow reaction mechanisms, spectroscopic methods, the polymerization of styrene, and various polymer characterization techniques. The videos are designed to supplement lecture courses or lab classes, as well as serve students as additional exam preparation tool. The various videos help students who are struggling with lectures, who enter the undergraduate program late, or who have simply forgotten elementary skills. The videos introduce students to the topic at a fast pace, emphasize key features, use simple “visual effects” and aim to entertain, but avoid the normal Powerpoint presentation-style lecture. Advantages and disadvantages of this teaching approach, and the impact on student understanding and comprehension will be discussed.