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Biological Basis of Heredity

by Dennis O'Neil
 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

4.33 stars
Content Quality: 4 stars
Effectiveness: 4 stars
Ease of Use: 5 stars
Reviewed: Apr 15, 2001 by Biology Editorial Board
Overview: The Biological Basis of Heredity is part of a series entitled "Anthropology Tutorials." This Lecture/Tutorial focuses on an introduction to basic cell structures as they relate to genetic inheritance and includes units on Basic Cell Structure (focusing on chromosome structure and terminology), Cell Reproduction (mitosis and meiosis), Recombination and Linkage, Sex-Linked Genes, and the Molecular Level of Genetics. Each topic is explained through use of text, sound files, illustrations and links to a glossary. A tutorial is provided at the end of each unit. Additional information is provided with late-breaking news with links to related internet sites.
Learning Goals:

  • Basic Cell Structure (focusing on chromosome structure and
    terminology)

  • Cell Reproduction (mitosis and meiosis)

  • Recombination and Linkage

  • Sex-Linked Genes

  • Molecular Level of Genetics
Target Student Population: High School or Lower-Level College (Freshman/Sophomore)
Type of Material: Tutorial
Technical Requirements: Web Browser, MediaPlayer, or RealPlayer plugin

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 4 stars
Strengths:

Quality of Content: (4.25) (4.50) = 4.4




  • Clearly laid out and organized
  • Accurate with appropriate vocabulary
  • Good general coverage of material
  • Simple illustrations appropriate for basic understanding
  • Integrates concepts through interactive quizzes
  • .wav files helps students with proper pronunciation
Concerns:

  • Some drawing need more detail or could be replaced with real
    photomicrographs

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 4 stars
Strengths:

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool: (4.25) (4.40) =
4.3




  • Great resource for general information

  • Good for students having trouble verbalizing terms

  • Quizzes immediately graded with reasons for each answer

  • Conceptual understanding is generally provided through
    additional links

Concerns:

  • Inclusion of animations or links to animations would make the
    site more exciting and engaging to students

  • Links to additional related web sites should be inserted

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths:

Usability: (5.00) (4.60) = 4.8




  • Well designed and intuitive

  • Easy to navigate and fast

  • Definitions are linked directly to term without need for
    scrolling

  • No bugs or defective links found
Concerns: None

Overall rating: (4.50) (4.50) = 4.50

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