Peer Review

External Structure of a Neuron

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Feb 13, 2005 by Psychology

Bookmark

Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This site is Tutorial 2 in a set of online tutorials that
have been developed for the Centre for Psychology at Athabasca University. The main tutorial page describes the sites three main sections as:

an initial section in which students work with an image-mapped graphic to
identify visually based information such as brain structures. In this section
students also read descriptions associated with the graphical information to
develop a verbal knowledge of the material.
a second section in which students do a self-test matching visually based
information (e.g., brain structures) to labels;
a third section consisting of multiple-choice self-test items that test student knowledge of the material presented in the tutorial.

This tutorial focuses on the structure of the neuron and includes references, suggested readings, and related links sections.

Type of Material:

A tutorial that includes text, images, and various forms of self-testing.

Recommended Uses:

This site could be used as an adjunct to any course that addresses neuronal
function, either as an introduction to the topic or to reinforce material covered in class.

Technical Requirements:

None.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

The student will be able to identify the basic parts of a neuron and have an introductory level comprehension of the function of the main components.

Target Student Population:

While the site is described by the author as ?designed to support an advanced biological psychology course.", it would also be appropriate for students in introductory courses of biopsychology, physiological psychology, psychology, or biology.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

None.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The site provides:

basic structure and identification of the external structural components of a neuron
accurate descriptions with appropriate vocabulary
useful matching self-test and multiple choice quiz

Concerns:

The site provides an introductory level explanation of the external structure and function of the neuron and lacks the necessary depth for advanced students. The site includes text and the neuron graphic used for identification, but lacks any actual photographs, additional graphics, or video clips.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

External Components of a Neuron:

effectively teaches student how to label the external structures of a neuron
provides an introduction to the primary functions of the structures
includes structure labeling and multiple choice quiz that provide immediate feedback for correct and incorrect answers

Concerns:

The site only offers an introductory level explanation of neuronal structure and function. In order to be of use to advanced students, as the author claims it should be, more information would need to be incorporated.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The site is:

easy to navigate site
provides easy to use option for printable version
includes structure labeling and multiple choice quiz that provide immediate feedback

Concerns:

Hyperlinks embedded within the text of the tutorial require a registered AU Psychology Centre account that is for registered Athabasca University students, with the exception of a single embedded link entitled ?Tutorial 1?.

The following 4 out of 11 related links do not function correctly:

http://www.epub.org.br/cm/n07/fundamentos/neuron/rosto_i.htm
(Neurons Our Internal Galaxy)
Silvia Helena Cardoso, PhD and Renato M. E. Sabbatini, PhD, (Brain and Mind -- Electronic Magazine), Cardoso, State University of Campinas, Brazil
http://www.sfn.org/briefings/axon.html
(Axon Guidance)
Society for Neuroscience -- Brain Briefings, 1995.
Mechanisms of brain development and regeneration.
http://www.cogsci.soton.ac.uk/bbs/Archive/bbs.sinden.html
(Neural transplantation and recovery of cognitive function)
Sinden, J.D., Hodges, H., & Gray, J.A. (1995). Behavioral and Brain Sciences 18 (1): 10-35.
http://www.europe.apnet.com/www/journal/cn.htm
(Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience)
Search this journal's extensive database.

Other Issues and Comments:: The site provides a good introduction or basic review for neuronal structure and is useful to practice labeling the structures.
Creative Commons: