Peer Review

Harmful Algae

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jun 18, 2004 by Biology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Information about harmful algae is presented at this site hosted by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The site provides a wealth of current information on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the U.S. coastal waters. The site features an algae photo gallery and distribution maps, as well as interesting presentations on interactions among algae species, shellfish, other wildlife, and humans. Specific information provided includes the algal species responsible for HABs, the toxins produced by these organisms, adverse impacts on higher trophic levels, human illnesses that result from HABs and spatial / temporal distribution of HABs. The site is up-to-date and provides pertinent information about conferences, workshops, courses, and journals, as well as related links to sites about harmful algae.
Type of Material:: The information is presented as a collection/database in HTML. The site
provides numerous photographs of HAB causing organisms, bloom situations and
some distribution maps and images. Some pages are in .pdf format. Links are
also provided to other HTML sites and news items related to HABs.
Recommended Uses:: Students and instructors will benefit from the information presented as a laboratory ancillary. This is an excellent source of information on bloom-forming marine algae that cause harm to other organisms in the marine environment and to humans through ingestion of contaminated seafood.
Technical Requirements:: The learning material is presented mostly as HTML and only an Internet Browser is needed to view the information. Some information is also presented in .pdf format.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Students and instructors will learn about harmful algae species and their interactions with surrounding ecosystems as well as the impact of the algae on human health. Users will also gain insight into the significance of HABs and possible causes for this phenomenon.
Target Student Population:: This site will be useful to the general public as well as high school through upper-division college students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: The site is useful for individuals who are acquainted algae taxonomy, although pictures help with identification for those who are unfamiliar with phycology. Some background knowledge about ecological principles may also be useful in understanding the information.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

Information on harmful algal blooms is clear and accurately presented
A good mix of general and detailed information about harmful algae is presented
International reputation of Woods Hole Institute makes the site very credible
Images of algae, ecosystems, fish, and birds are generally very good
Material is accurate for the content presented
Text accompanying images does a good job providing interesting information
Links to other related sites in the U.S. and around the world provide access to complete information on this topic

Concerns:

Some of the images aren?t as good as others, although it is understood it may be difficult to get good pictures of some algae species
Some topics lack detail and it might be a good idea to have specific anatomical, physiological, and other information about each of the harmful algae species shown in images
The information seems to be presented to interest readers and it might help to find a more pedagogically sound way of organizing this site
The site does not deal with macroalgae such as Caulerpa taxifolia that has caused problems in the Mediterranean Sea or with harmful freshwater algae such as Prymnesium parvum
Some links provided for news items do broaden the scope to
these other problem algae but more direct links to sites dealing with other
groups of harmful algae would be welcome

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Provides a quality source of up to date reference material on an important
environmental topic
Exposes students to the significance of unfamiliar organisms...in this case, the algae
The content demonstrates relationships between algae and surrounding ecosystems
Information builds knowledge about harmful algae
It is possible to use this site for making student assignments
Varied information permits flexibility of use

Concerns:

The site directory may be better organized with a definition of harmful algae, followed by a photo gallery of algae species, algal blooms, adverse impacts, etc. (as a more pedagogically sound presentation)
Inclusion of goals and objectives for learning the information might help stimulate learning
Site is not primarily designed for teaching assignments but a great source of reference information

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

No defective links or major bugs were found
Easy to navigate and fast
Links accurately describe content for quick browsing

Concerns:

A search engine (or a site map) would make it easier to find specific information
Navigation buttons would help orient users on some parts of this site

Other Issues and Comments:: The site provides interesting information that may entice the general public, students, and instructors to learn more about harmful algae. This is an attractive site that provides the latest information on marine phytoplankton that cause harmful blooms. The use of research quality photomicrographs, well organized information and extensive links to related sites make this site very useful.
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