MERLOT - Multimedia Education Resource for Learning and Online Teaching
Home Communities Learning Materials Member Directory My Profile About Us

Peer Review

Become a Member | Log In

The Interactive Fly

 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

5 stars
Content Quality: 5 stars
Effectiveness: 5 stars
Ease of Use: 5 stars
Reviewed: Apr 16, 2001 by Biology Editorial Board
Overview: The Interactive Fly is a very complete guide to Drosophila genetics and anatomy. The site focuses on the role of genes in Drosophila development. Information of genes reported in the primary literature can be accessed through a gene index, or by tissue and organ development. The gene index includes links by name of the gene, biochemical function, developmental pathway, as well as a cross-index to FlyBase genes. Gene information may also be accessed by stages of embryonic development or by formation of the adult fly. Information is provided primarily as text, but an extensive collection of scanning electron microscope images is included. Within images are some animations including Turner's Fly Morph-O-Genesis and Ready's Adult Ommatidium. Information on this site is updated quarterly
Learning Goals:

  • The role of genes in Drosophila development.
Target Student Population: Upper division Biology Majors
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: Understanding of basic genetics and development
Type of Material: Learning Material/Collection
Technical Requirements: HTML and QuickTime

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths:

Quality of Content: (5.00) (5.00) = 5.0




  • Clearly laid out

  • Very complete and accurate

  • High quality of images

  • Good integration of related links

  • Engaging

  • Information regularly updated
Concerns: None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths:

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool: (5.00) (4.90) = 5.0




  • Great resource for advanced information

  • Most information presented as a text with useful links to
    pictures and animations

  • Promotes integration of information and advanced learning

  • Good links to other web resources

  • Flexibility of use in a number of related disciplines,
    including genetics, developmental biology, molecular biology and
    biochemistry
Concerns:

  • This site may be overwhelming to lower classmen. A link to
    introductory material giving an overview of fly anatomy, genetics
    and physiology would be helpful

  • More illustrations integrated in the text would make this site
    more engaging for students

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths:

Usability: (5.00) (4.80) = 4.9




  • Well organized

  • Good navigational links, but the site is extensive and users
    could get lost

  • Very fast, although some links may take longer than others
Concerns: None

Overall rating: (5.00) (4.90) = 5.0

--%>