The UIUC Virtual Spectrometer: a Java-based implementation of a learning environment

The development of the UIUC Virtual Spectrometer (UIUC-VS), an interactive, Java-based simulation and tutoring system, is discussed. The system utilizes the apprenticeship model of learning to create a learning environment for the study of a one-proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment. Active, exploratory, apprentice-style learning is supported via modes of operation within the system. Students can flexibly choose to "observe the expert" perform and explain operational steps, or to "act as an apprentice" and carry out the steps autonomously. Students can switch between these modes at their discretion, giving them control of the level of intervention by the system. In addition, students can explore and reflect on an "information space" of objects, procedures, and related concepts. The system includes a method of asynchronous communication, where the student can post questions and comments to a "question board", complete with the ability to capture the current state of the system and make annotations on the screen capture.