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Poster presented on March 6-8, 2002 at the conference on Communicating the Future: Best Practices in Communication of Science and Technology to the Public, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, and NIST. Poster topics were selected as "best practices" through a formal peer review by a committee of distinguished science writers, educators, and researchers. Virtual
Labs and Animation Console at BioInteractive.org |
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Abstract The virtual labs (VLabs), animations, and other supplemental instructional materials available at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's (HHMI) BioInteractive.org are designed to teach, in an engaging manner, about important, cutting-edge concepts in the biomedical sciences. Fields include molecular biology, cardiology, neurobiology, immunology, and genetics. Content is rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and is designed to be of practical value to educators. The materials are intended primarily for high school AP biology students, although they have found wide use in introductory college biology, and Web usage statistics indicate that they are popular with the general audience. The materials are effective because they present concepts in a clear, interesting way and provide a good overview of biological processes and laboratory techniques. The quality and effectiveness of our materials depend on a multidisciplinary team (i.e., scientists, educators, animators, graphic designers, programmers, and evaluators) working closely together, a detailed work plan, and a single individual-the science liaison-to manage the development process. Toolkit #1—Virtual Labs VLabs reveal science as a process while teaching key biological concepts and current methods and technology for laboratory investigation. A VLab is used to prepare for, or reinforce, a wet lab or to provide a lablike experience when a wet lab is not possible. In the Bacterial ID Lab, students use PCR amplification, DNA sequencing, and an actual BLAST search engine to identify an unknown pathogen. Toolkit #2—Animation Console The Animation Console:
Animations reveal hidden worlds and complex biological functions that cannot be easily conveyed via text alone or static illustration. Toolkit #3—Development Process
The development team includes scientific and educational advisers, animators, graphic designers, programmers, content developers, and evaluation coordinators. A science liaison coordinates and monitors the team's activities and is a critical link between the scientific advisers and the artistic and technical developers. A defined, iterative workflow refines the VLabs and animations from original concept to storyboard to final product. Toolkit #4—Replicability Other organizations could adopt:
Evaluation The team conducts formative evaluations to assess scientific accuracy, concept and design, and informational value. Large-scale summative evaluations are conducted to determine if completed products meet the team's educational goals. Results are used to refine materials and assessment instruments.
Budget A single virtual lab requires approximately three full-time developers, including outside technology consultants, for four months. Additional staff time is required to evaluate and make modifications to labs. Some effort can be saved in reusing some tools from previously developed labs. Each animation requires approximately three full-time staff for three months. BioInteractive Content Development Team Dennis Liu - Director Contact Back to Best Practices home page Back to Best Practices posters page Created: 7/9/2002 |
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