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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Feb 20, 2001 by Biology Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
This is just one part of the large "Biology Project". This module provides a series of nine multiple choice questions about early developmental processes. There are questions about homeotic genes, gastrulation, embryonic induction, germ layer fate and the blastula stage embryo. Selecting the correct answer results in a brief explanation of why the answer is correct. Selecting the incorrect answer leads to a short tutorial with an explanation of the topic addressed by the question. Students can access the tutorial before or after answering the question. Each tutorial consists of a short one-page description the appropriate developmental process along with graphics or animations designed to illustrate the subject. There are also links to a few other Developmental Biology sites, but no suggestions as to how to use them nor are the external links related directly to the question/tutorial topics. |
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| Strengths: |
(3.5) (4) = 3.8
Quality is good and site is clearly laid out, but very incomplete and hence not as engaging as a more focused site could be.
The fact that the questions/tutorials appear random rather than exploring a particular concept or theme in developmental biology detracts.
The material is accurate, uses appropriate vocabulary, partially integrates the content, and is interactive.
Good quality tutorials
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| Concerns: |
Module is very incomplete. It would be much more useful if was either much larger or if it focused on one particular aspect of development (embryonic induction, for example). |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:   |
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| Strengths: |
- Demonstrates relationships
- Promotes conceptual understanding
- Possible to develop learning assignments
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| Concerns: |
- Not particularly useful since it consists of only nine random multiple choice questions and corresponding tutorials.
- No stated learning objectives
- Does not promote problem solving
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
(5) (5) = 5.0
- The site is easy to use and navigate
- Provides clear and accurate instructions
- Well written, fast and well designed
- Free of broken links or other technical problems.
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| Concerns: |
It would be useful if the tutorials could be listed and accessed directly from the index page. Given the current site structure one can only get to the tutorials (the most useful part of the site) by going to the individual question pages and clicking on a wrong answer or on the "Tutorial" button. |
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