The Multimedia Guide to Genetic Disorders includes information on fifteen (15) genetic disorders: Fragile X syndrome; Marfan Syndrome; Hemophilia; Cystic Fibrosis; Duchenne/Becker MD; PKU; Huntington Diseases; NF; Sickle Cell Diseases; Down's Syndrome; Hemochromatosis; Tay-Sahs; Beta-thalassemia; Alzheimer's; and Polycystic Kidney Disease.
For each condition there is information on the etiology, signs and symptoms, incidence, testing/screening, diagnosis, inheritance, and treatment. There are also links to QuickTime movie interviews with those affected by each genetic disorder. For each disease listed there are links to other learning resources that were developed by foundations and clinics.
The learning resource was developed by the Dolan DNA Learning Center Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and funded by a grant from the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation.
Key words: Fragile X syndrome; Marfan Syndrome; Hemophilia; Cystic Fibrosis; Duchenne/Becker MD; PKU; Huntington Diseases; NF; Sickle Cell Diseases; Down's Syndrome; Hemochromatosis; Tay-Sahs; Beta-thalassemia; Alzheimer's; Polycystic Kidney Disease; genetic disorders, multimedia, genes.
Type of Material:
The learning resource is designed as a tutorial that is supplemented by a variety of multimedia resources including animations, graphics, and QuickTime movies.
Recommended Uses:
This learning resource could be used in a variety of classes including general biology, pathophysiology, and pediatrics. The resource could also be used by nursing and medical students/professionals to facilitate genetic counseling and patient/family teaching.
Technical Requirements:
This site requires a connection to the Internet, web browser, speakers, and QuickTime. To download and play the QuickTime movies probably would work best with a broadband connection.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The implied learning goals are: After reviewing the site the learner will be able to:
* Discuss the essential information on the etiology, signs & symptoms, treatment for specific DNA disorders.
* Describe the impact of the disorder for the affected client and their family.
* Compare and contrast how DNA disorders are transmitted.
Target Student Population:
Middle School, High School, College and the general public would benefit from the information on this site.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
If the material is used in classroom study, a good review of genetics would be helpful in the utilization of the information presented.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The learning content is valid and reliable, up to date and accurate. Depicts reality in a visual and auditory manner, excellent source, all links are valid and appropriate. The external links connect the learner with additional information about DNA and genetics.
Concerns:
If learners only click on the graphics they will miss valuable information on the side bar to the left of the graphics. There may be difficulty appreciating all of the learning resources if with a slow modem connection.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
A good overview of the various diseases linked to genetics and inheritance of disease. Excellent interviews and graphics to understand the disease. Each disease is also linked to the foundation or support group linked to the disease.
Very effective learning mode for any level of learner, better than a textbook as the graphics and audio really allow the learner to interact at their own pace. Engages multiple learning styles.
Concerns:
The material should not be used for diagnosis or medical research. Could be more audio interaction at different points, especially after the prompt to turn on speakers. There was a great delay before any audio turned up (several pages later).
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Very easy to navigate, no feedback provided to learner, but none was needed, instructions/glossary readily available on each and every page, no bugs noted
Concerns:
The Quick Time videos are mildly slow in loading. There was some difficulty with slow audio loading as well.
Other Issues and Comments:
Excellent resource for genetic diseases and the role of heredity and DNA.
Creative Commons:
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