Biology Labs Online: A Success Story

Lou Zweier & Michelle LaMarCSU Center for Distributed LearningThursday, October 16th, 2003

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Biology Labs Online

• 12 Interactive Biology Lab Simulations

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EvolutionLab: Input Summary

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EvolutionLab: Initial Beak Size

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EvolutionLab: Seed Distribution

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EvolutionLab: Advanced Variables

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EvolutionLab: Results for Beak Size

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EvolutionLab: Results for Population

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Development Motivations

• 10K biology majors in CSU• Teach use of scientific method• Limited lab time, cookbook labs

–Can run experiment many times –Can run experiments not

practical in wet lab (time, cost, ethics)

–Topics augment current wet labs• Encourage active learning methods

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Important Attributes of BLOL

• Modular–Lessons not embedded in

simulations–Adaptable

• Scalable (disciplines, grade level)• Not easily reproducible• Encourages active learning• Based on real models and data

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Technology Overview

• Java Applets– JDK 1.02 to provide browser

compatibility–Server side “exporting” for

printing

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Development Process

• Faculty Focus group developed lab ideas

• Each lab had a small development team:–Faculty Content Expert –Designer–Programmer

• Formal Usability Testing (CUDA)

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Dissemination

• Free Beta test period• Benjamin Cummings markets and

distributes BLOL• Sold by online subscription

–entire series, themed sub-sets, individually

–Lab manual in bookstore• Priced for student bugets

(~$7/lab/yr)• Adopted by over 600 institutions

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Challenges and Roadblocks

• Working with Content Experts• Availability of models and data• Distributed Development Teams • Programming Staff• Brower Compatibility

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Try It Out!

Free Trials are available

www.biologylabsonline.comContacts:

Lou Zweier: lou@cdl.eduMichelle LaMar: michelle@cdl.eduhttp://www.cdl.edu