Peer Review

Biology Open Educational Resources

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Nov 25, 2018 by Biology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This resource consists of a repository into which people can upload OER resources (creative commons open copyrights). These include lecture notes, video, animation, photos, quizzes, technique instructions, demonstrations, and more. Users can adapt all materials for their own use. Topics of OER resources include: Artwork (biology related), Microbiology, Microscopy, Lab Skills, Forensic Science, Parasitology, OER Training and Research, Midwifery, and Speech and Language Therapy. The site also includes a blog and information on OER research and applications. The site is aimed at university students, medical technicians, professionals, and everyone else who wish to learn more about the topics presented.

Type of Material:

Collection and website.

Recommended Uses:

In-class, homework, online education, lab supplements.

Technical Requirements:

Flash plug-in, a browser capable of playing streaming media.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

To promote the open sharing of biology educational resources.

To promote interest in pursuing a college degree in biology.

Target Student Population:

Advanced high school and undergraduate Biology classes; medical and technical laboratory personnel

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Materials are variable in level. Some biology background is useful. Familiarity with basic Biology terminology.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The information provides a good basic background about the material.
The information is accurate and fairly interesting.
Some of the OER resources are excellent, with great information.
Most of the images are good quality, many of the videos are also very good.
The resources are informed by scholarship.
The addition of blogs provide updates on many topics.
The focus on animation, art, and music in science makes this a diverse collection of content in biology.
There is lots of information about OER in general.

Concerns:

The content is apparently no longer updated as of 2015.
The breadth of coverage of biology is sporadic.
There are only about two dozen resources presented on the site.
Not all topics are biology related (e.g. ballistics, speech therapy).
The vast majority of information on the site are YouTube (or similar) videos.
The range of topics appear random and the selections do not seem to support a common theme.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The blend of text and images makes the material interesting.
Some resources identify the learning objectives.
Some resources provide quizzes.
Narrations help users focus on key concepts.
Material promotes conceptual understanding.
Users can comment on the resources.
Anyone can upload and anyone can download resources.
There is a nice table summarizing all resources by topic.

Concerns:

Some videos do not have audio although there is caption.
Some resources do not identify any learning objectives.
Some links are broken.
The material has not been updated since 2015 and the site is not very active.
There are only about two dozen resources curated on the site, so finding something of value here is unlikely for most users.
Among the resources present only a small number would likely be of interest to biology instructors.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

Navigation is straightforward.
The resource is accessible with most Internet browsers.
The resource is easy to use.
The navigation is easy to follow.

Concerns:

The organization scheme is rudimentary and not consistent in all places on the website.
Many resources require Flash plugin which is no longer supported by some Internet browsers.
Some links are broken.

Other Issues and Comments:: The collection of resources provides choices for prospective adopters and learners.
Creative Commons: