DIGITAL PLATFORM: OWLv2  
LMS USED: Brightspace  
DISCIPLINE: Organic Chemistry
INSTITUTION: Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

Improving Student Outcomes in Chemistry
Presenters: Dr. Johan Werkelin, Dr. Tjerk Sminia and Dr. Ryan Chiechi   

Tjerk Sminia teaches Organic Chemistry at Wageningen University and Research in The Netherlands. With an education background and research interest in biomolecules, Tjerk’s current instruction includes teaching Organic Chemistry to students studying a wide range of Molecular Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Sciences courses. His area of expertise is in giving lectures, tutorials, and lab practicals in which he utilises many engaging tools and teaching techniques including interactive polls, small group tutorials and group assignments - with a twist! Tjerk’s goal as an educator lies in sharing his passion and curiosity in organic molecules to all students.

Tjerk is an advocate for using digital tools in organic chemistry education and he continues to explore the use of technology for digital examination and virtual lab experiments. He has used Cengage’s OWLv2 platform for a number of years to support in-person teaching and he joined the recent Cengage webinar panel discussion Improving student outcomes in Chemistry as a guest speaker in which many ideas and strategies were discussed on delivering a successful course to help students fulfil their highest potential. 

 “OWLv2 is a very good tool to get all students involved in the course.”