We Should Keep Developing Digital Laboratory Resources in the Postpandemic Era

Abstract

Assumptions about the feasibility of teaching chemistry laboratories online have been challenged by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that, despite the fact that pandemic social distancing restrictions will be eventually eliminated, the development of quality digital laboratory resources must continue to receive attention from the chemistry community. Even if higher education institutions fully return to in-person operating conditions, these materials could serve as prelaboratory preparation to reduce student anxiety, as supplementary support materials to enhance student understanding, as optional distance education resources for students unable to be present in the laboratory, and as training materials for teaching assistants.