This site is about the study of Mycology (Kingdom Fungi). It starts with information about Tom Volk, his research activities, and programs offered at the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse. The site features a multitude of links, some directly located at the home page site, and others are linked to fungi-related sites. One of the more interesting parts of this site is the "Fungus of the Month," which has been maintained since January 1997, and includes species such as Witch's Hat, Decorated White Pholiota, Lobster Mushroom, False Turkey Tail, Indio Milk Mushroom, and the Oregon White Truffle. Other links point the user to the Minnesota Mycological Society, reports from local forays, images of fungi, life cycle of morels, frequently asked questions (to eat, or not to eat?), and assignments. This is an exceptionally good site for getting students interested in Kingdom Fungi. It contains some of the more extraordinary specimens, which draws interest. This site provides an accurate, informative, exciting, and entertaining exploration of the Kingdom. A little more organization of materials presented would make the site easier to navigate and use in lecture.
Type of Material:
Collection
Technical Requirements:
HTML enabled with ability to view as .jpg
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This site will provide users with a better appreciation and understanding of the diversity and complexity of Kingdom Fungi.
Target Student Population:
All levels of undergraduate and graduate education, including the general public
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Quality of Content Ratings: (4.80)(5.00) = 4.90
Collection extensive with a growing database of images
Includes lots of images of fungi
Accurate presentation of material
Enticing presentation of Kingdom Fungi with anecdotal information and interesting images
Concerns:
Some of information is not organized very well, although the taxonomic key is accurate
May benefit from structured presentation of material
Images are generally good, but vary in quality, use only the best quality images or revise some of the lower-quality images
Some labels on individual specimens would help, although they are described in the narrative
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool Ratings: (4.25)(4.00) = 4.10
Provides adequate explanation of materials presented
Has links to other educational sites
Presented as an "exploration" of Kingdom Fungi
Demonstrates diversity as well as relationships among species
Good for independent study
Provides interesting approach to taxonomy
Students can learn general things about fungi and very specific things about selected groups of macrofungi
Site is presented with some of the most unusual and interesting specimens within the Kingdom Fungi
Provides users with anticipation and curiosity of pictures beyond links
Is suitable for non-professional person
Concerns:
Site contains some randomness and may not be pedagogically sound for lecture presentation
Needs a glossary of technical terms that are used in the Website
Needs a section on mushroom parts and terminology
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Ease of Use Ratings: (4.40)(4.00) = 4.20 (ROUNDED to 4.2)
No defective links found, although some slower than others
Text is well written
No major bugs
Provides a curiosity-provoked presentation of material
Images are quickly displayed
Concerns:
Home page is rather long and may benefit from splitting into several pages
Site focuses on interesting facts, although some structure and organization would help navigation
Creative Commons:
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