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Peer Review

Bioluminescent Organisms

Reviewed:

Apr 17, 2003 by Biology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Quality: 4.2 stars
Effectiveness: 4.4 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

Examples, history, and mechanisms of bioluminescence are featured within this
website to clarify misconceptions and provide accurate information about
"glow-in-the-dark" organisms. Examples described include bioluminescent
bacteria, fungi, plants (actually algae), and insects. Animations are included
for the dinoflagellate, Pyrocystis fusiformis, and a firefly. The site is artistically designed, produced by active researchers and reviewed for accuracy. The site also provides a set of references to current research and descriptions of symposia in the field.
Type of Material:

Animation / Simulation
Recommended Uses:

This material may be used by individuals to learn about bioluminescence or in the classroom to provide a demonstration of how some organisms glow in the dark.
Technical Requirements:

HTML and ability to view gif animations.
Identify Major Learning Goals:

Users may use this site for a better conceptualization and appreciation of how
some organisms glow in the dark.
Target Student Population:

High School, Undergraduate, and Graduate Students will be able to use this site to gain a better understanding of bioluminescence. Information presented is easy to understand and may also be used by the general public for those interested in glow-in-the-dark organisms.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

No prerequisite knowledge is necessary, although some background in chemistry may help to understand some of the biochemical mechanisms.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

Quality of Content: 4.3, 4.0 = 4.2


  • Attractive photos and informative reading
  • Interactive and engaging
  • Integrates the content
  • Material includes very good examples, although a broader listing of bioluminescent organisms would be helpful
  • Information includes good vocabulary and is fairly accurate
Concerns:

  • It might help to include scientific names of all organisms (including the firefly) presented.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

Potential Effectiveness: 4.8, 4.0 = 4.4


  • Provides a high quality highly accessible explanation of a very specific topic
  • For courses that introduce the topic this would provide a good reference
  • Descriptions of research provided by a variety of investigators coupled with references might provide a basis for a research assignment
  • Good quality animations (and fast loading) make them easy to use in the classroom
  • Similarities of mechanisms demonstrates relationships
  • Promotes conceptual understanding
Concerns:

  • Some references (literature citations) would be helpful for students wanting to learn more about bioluminescence.
  • The site lacks any interactive materials or opportunities for visitors to work with the models presented.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

Potential Effectiveness: 5.0, 5.0 = 5.0


  • Artistically designed
  • This website is concise and easy to navigate
  • Animations and pictures load very fast
  • Well organized
  • No major bugs or defective links
Concerns:

  • Some menus allow links directly to others; most only to the main page. Frames could make better use of links to navigate.
Other Issues and Comments:

This is a great introductory website for the general public and students wanting to know more about bioluminescence.
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