Peer Review

Synthetic Theory of Evolution

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Feb 20, 2001 by Biology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This site consists of nine short tutorials that progressively lead the student through the fundamentals of the modern synthesis of evolutionary concepts. The tutorials include: Hardy-Weinberg Model, Recombination, Mutations, Small Population Effects, Non-random Mating, Natural Selection, Gene Flow and Micro and Macro Evolution. The site contains a glossary, links to other sites on evolution, and four general questions designed as entry points to web-based research by students. Each tutorial includes links to sound files for pronunciation of key terms, links to the glossary, and interactive practice quizzes, with immediate feedback for the student. Graphics and tables are effectively used to augment the presentation of concepts.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

(4) (4) = 4

Well organized and easy to navigate.
Thorough coverage of relevant concepts

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

(3) (3) = 3

Quizzes provide students with additional information when answers are incorrect.
Helps students identify basic concepts.
Interactive practice quiz for each of the nine tutorials with immediate feedback.
Suggested questions for web exploration exercises.
Links to tutorials on other topics that may be of use.

Concerns:

Learning objectives should be provided with each module.
More sample problems for students to complete.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

(5) (5) = 5

Clear, logical, and easy to use interface.
Has appropriate vocabulary terms that are clearly defined Key and linked directly to glossary with audio pronunciation files.

Concerns:

The site is text-heavy and would benefit from more interactivity.

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