Developing virtual and interactive problems for learning microbiology
نویسندگان
چکیده
The Interactive Microbiology website promotes the learning of microbiology by resolving theoretical and/or practical problems. The material was designed to be used in the classroom, as well as for independent learning. The most noteworthy innovation is the integration of the theoretical and practical aspects, thanks to the fact that in addition to theoretical contents the website also includes a virtual microbiology laboratory where students can practice a variety of basic microbiology techniques with a simulation of the results. The website is targeted to students who are entering into contact with the invisible world of micro-organisms for the first time, that is, to students in their first or second year of the university degree programme that covers this material. A prototype of this new tool was implemented as a pilot during academic year 2007-08 in the Microbiology course (Biology degree programme) and the Microbiology I course (Biotechnology degree programme). The evaluations from this first term show a high degree of acceptance by both the students and the professors who have implemented it. This evaluation also identified certain dysfunctions of the website which have already been corrected in the final version, which was also simplified and contains a variety of help resources. This tool, which is considered unique, will serve as the foundation for the development of future websites dealing with learning microbiology at a more advanced level. General area of interest of this innovation The development of this tool is interesting for both university professors and for teachers at other levels (secondary, baccalaureate and vocational education) who are involved in teaching microbiology. What is more, the idea of a virtual lab, as it has been developed in this project, may be applicable to learning any other discipline within the life sciences and other experimental sciences. INNOVATIVE TEACHING EXPERIENCES AT THE UAB IN EXPERIMENTAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND IN HEALTH SCIENCES 83 1a espai angles.qxd:titulacions-copia 21/07/09 10:01 Página 83
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