Sneeze is an introduction to how allergens and antibodies interact and trigger the immune response which in this case is sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. Information is presented as a game where the player is introduced to the situation, "what makes Piper sneeze?" Using Flash animation with text comments, players learn about histamine production through "interviews" with a teacher, a doctor, and a nurse. A short interactive lesson on the anatomy of the sinuses is included as part of information seeking.
Type of Material:
This learning resources can be classified both as animation and game.
Recommended Uses:
Recommended uses for this learning resource include:
homework activity
homework activity associated with additional textbook readings,
lecture material and case studies
small group activity
patient teaching resource
Technical Requirements:
The user needs to have a computer connected to the Internet, a web browser, and a Flash animation player. The learning resource uses audio, but audio is not an essential learning component.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Upon completion of this learning activity, the student will be able to: - identify major parts of an anatomical drawing of the sinus cavities - relate the primary function of the major parts of the sinus cavities - explain why some allergens adversely affect people while others do not - describe symptoms of an allergic response affecting the sinuses
Target Student Population:
The target student population includes middle school and high school students; however, nursing students and the lay public who have sinus allergies can also benefit from this learning resource.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Some knowledge of basic biology as well as familiarity with terminology used in the material are needed to obtain maximum benefit from this learning object; using the object in a biology/anatomy/physiology class would provide needed basics.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The strength of this learning module is simple, valid, up-to-date and reinforces significant concepts regarding allergies, specifically involving sneezing and the sinuses.
The content quality lies in the anatomy of the sciences presented during the "interview" process, the basic explanation of how allergens interact with antibodies, and why this interaction results in symptoms that include sneezing.
Concerns:
Although some of the content is presented in relative detail, other information is rather simplified. This may be a problem for some students if they assume that the simplified explanations are complete. Teachers should be prepared to offer greater detail for the information from the "doctor," "nurse," and "teacher." The quality of the learning material could be enhances with links to more comprehensive information.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The strength of the learning tool is that it allows the learner to apply knowledge about sneezing and allergies that affect the sinuses. The learning tool can be used as a game to reinforce learning.
Concerns:
Some students may become frustrated with site navigation and lose interest. When assigning this material for an independent learning activity, study questions to guide the learner would make this resource more effective. The teacher should be prepared to answer questions about the practice of using skin tests to detect allergies. Familiarizing students with terms used in the Anatomy of the Sinuses portion will be important for maximum benefit.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The Sneeze game is fun and very easy to use!
Concerns:
Instructions for where to begin and how to best use the solutions need to be provided by the instructor. Because choosing the correct solution could be the player's first choice, learners should be asked to read each of the solutions and mark them all correct to see the reasons why some would not be correct. Site navigation may be confusing to both teachers and students the first few times of working with the mystery.
Other Issues and Comments:
No other issues
Creative Commons:
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