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Automating Excel Tasks with Generative AI: Supporting Innovation in Mass Transfer Separations Education

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Title: Automating Excel Tasks with Generative AI: Supporting Innovation in Mass Transfer Separations Education
Language: English
Authors: Moisés García-Morales (ORCID 0000-0003-4153-487X)
Source: Journal of Chemical Education. 2026 103(2):1064-1070.
Availability: Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Automation, Spreadsheets, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Computer Software, Programming, Coding, Scripts, Technology Integration, Chemistry, Science Instruction, Scientific Concepts
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c01531
ISSN: 0021-9584
1938-1328
Abstract: VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macro creation assisted by AI (Artificial Intelligence) can enhance the teaching of Mass Transfer Separations. The code can be iteratively refined until the desired functionality is achieved. This is not only intended to improve computational efficiency and accuracy but also to boost student engagement. To showcase the full potential of VBA scripting within spreadsheets, a simulator with an appealing interface was designed using Excel, such that optimal and limiting operating conditions were identified in an equilibrium-staged distillation column. Moreover, to underscore the pedagogical value of the approach at this exploratory stage of evaluating its educational scope, a much simpler classroom exercise was used to illustrate the hands-on integration of GenAI (Generative AI) into the learning process.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1499569
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Automating Excel Tasks with Generative AI: Supporting Innovation in Mass Transfer Separations Education
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Moisés+García-Morales%22">Moisés García-Morales</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4153-487X">0000-0003-4153-487X</externalLink>)
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  Data: Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
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  Data: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c01531
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  Data: 0021-9584<br />1938-1328
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  Data: VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macro creation assisted by AI (Artificial Intelligence) can enhance the teaching of Mass Transfer Separations. The code can be iteratively refined until the desired functionality is achieved. This is not only intended to improve computational efficiency and accuracy but also to boost student engagement. To showcase the full potential of VBA scripting within spreadsheets, a simulator with an appealing interface was designed using Excel, such that optimal and limiting operating conditions were identified in an equilibrium-staged distillation column. Moreover, to underscore the pedagogical value of the approach at this exploratory stage of evaluating its educational scope, a much simpler classroom exercise was used to illustrate the hands-on integration of GenAI (Generative AI) into the learning process.
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