Biology 1010

The Biology 1010: Natural Selection of Bacteria and Viruseswas designed, developed, and evaluated as a problem-based undergraduate biology 1010 module to strengthen students understanding of evolutionary biology, in particular natural selection. This was created as a team along with a Biology 1010 MU instructor.

Design methodology

The design of this is situated in problem-based learning, with the greatest emphasis on cognitive flexibility. Case-based reasoning is used, as users switch back and forth between cases and learn by comparing the cases and using analogical reasoning to create analogies from one situation to the next. Through the use of a causal diagram, students attempt to understand the causes of bacteria and virus mutations.

Evaluation

Classroom teachers and students were asked to use this and provide feedback. This was also presented at a conference at which time observations were taken of people attempting to use it and surveys were received. In addition, a usability study was done on the learning site and presented. (See the link below for proceedings on the usability study.)