| Reviewed: |
Jun 01, 2006 by Psychology |
| Overview: |
This website is an excellent presentational resource for
information related to the brain. As of April 2006, eight of a proposed twelve modules have been
developed, focusing on topics ranging from brain anatomy and function to mental
disorders. The site is
arranged in five layers of organization (molecular, cellular, neurological, psychological, and social) and three levels of explanation (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). It was developed, researched, and written by
neuroscientist Bruno Dubuc, and is affiliated with and funded by the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research (Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and
Addiction). An additional plus of the site is that it is available in two languages: English and French.
|
| Learning Goals: |
There are too many potential learning goals to list;
however,
the major topics are: from the simple to the complex (brain anatomy and function); memory and the brain; pleasure and pain; emotions and the brain; evolution and the brain;
body movement and the brain; the senses; and mental disorders. Modules currently
under construction include: how our faculties develop; from thought to language;
sleep and dreams; the emergence of consciousness.
|
| Target Student Population: |
Because the site contains several levels of explanation,
it could be used by
middle school, high school, college, or even graduate students. It also makes
an excellent resource for instructors. The site would be of use in any course
where some element or aspect of the brain were being studied.
|
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
No prerequisite knowledge or skills are needed.
|
| Type of Material: |
This website is a multi-page presentation consisting of
text, images, and links. As the authors explain, "The Brain from Top to Bottom
has been designed so that you can not only browse its pages on the Web, but also
project them with a video projector to make interactive multimedia
presentations. Simply choose the topic or sub-topics that you want to cover, and
the appropriate difficulty and interest level for your audience, then navigate
through the site, projecting the desired pages. The Brain from Top to Bottom
thus becomes a veritable museum, with you, the presenter, as the guide."
|
| Recommended Uses: |
The website can be used as a reference resource for faculty and students and for
in-class presentations. Additionally, out-of-class assignments would be easy
to design for use with this site.
|
| Technical Requirements: |
|
|
