Virtual Learning Environment as a Conceptual Tool in Phase Equilibrium Course at Universiad De Los Andes

Topics reviewed in phase equilibrium, may seem complex and difficult for many students. The mathematical background adds an abstraction level that makes difficult to observe the practical implementation and interpretation of phase equilibrium. Inconveniences such as these have been overtaken by developing a virtual teaching tool, designed project between the Chemical Engineering Department and Teaching Assitant laboratory at the University of Los Andes. With this tool, students can see different fields of application of concepts such as free energy, partial molar properties, relation between phase equilibrium and chemical equilibirum. This virtual learning environment, is an additional tool that allows the student to review their progress, reviewing specific topics such as pure compounds, thermodynamic properties of solutions, criteria of equilibrium . In addition to reading and study materials, invites the students to perceive the phase equilibrium as something real from the virtual reality and reflect on some examples of specific application linking the themes of the ongoing process with applications in chemical engineering. The results about acceptance of the course have been favored with this tool implemenacion.