Virtual Plants provides pictures and animations of plant morphology and development. A "virtual plant" is generated from a model that contains rules for the formation of new plant parts and for changes in size and shape of existing plants. Images and QuickTime videos are used to demonstrate different visualizations of plant organs, how they interact with the environment, and the dynamic nature of growth. The main species studied is cotton, with limited graphics on herbs, roots, trees and pest/plant interactions. Learning modules include phyllotaxy, flowering, boll growth, pesticide coverage, light penetration, and growth. Of particular interest are the animations that show development through a myriad of scenarios, which provide basic application of concepts from learning modules.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
(4.25) (4.00) = 4.1
Well designed and clearly laid out
Appropriate vocabulary
Excellent graphic representations of plant growth dynamics
Well designed, excellent graphic representations of plant growth dynamics
Excellent potential for the development of critical thinking and problem solving teaching units
Concerns:
Somewhat complete, although more plant species would be useful for pictures and animations
Accurate for cotton, although more plants species would be useful for pictures and animations
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
(5) (4.8) = 4.9
Demonstrates good relationships of plant growth and development
Promotes good application of learning modules and problem solving
Promotes active learning
Possible to develop learning assignments
Concerns:
Site would benefit from development of units and videos on different plant species so that comparisons among species can be made
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
(4.50)( 4.25) = 4.4
Clear/accurate instructions
Controllable
Well designed / intuitive
No major bugs
Concerns:
Very fast (except downloading of QuickTime videos)
Some defective links
Creative Commons:
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