This learning resource is a collection on the evolution of AIDS and a review of the logic for its treatments. It provides a description of the latency theory for AIDS treatment by programmed lymphocytic activation. It details accomplishments in AIDS research and publication. This website includes links to other interesting sites about biological theories in illness and immunology. It could be used for graduate courses in health sciences or biology.
Type of Material:
This learning resource could be classified as a collection of reference materials.
Recommended Uses:
This website could readily be used for homework, by developing a worksheet to be use with this website. It could also be used to prepare an effective presentation on this subject. It could be used to provide background information on AIDS therapies and the associated underlying logic for each.
Technical Requirements:
The user will need a computer with an Internet connection and web browser to use this resource.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
There were no stated learning goals, however, the selection was listed as a "review of the logic of AIDS therapies."
Target Student Population:
The author lists the target audience as college level general education and graduate school students and professionals.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
The learner needs understanding of complex biological processes and terms in immunology to effectively learn from this resource.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The learning resource is well researched and referenced. The content is largely drawn from a juried collection of articles. Very important topic for scientific inquiry and dissemination of information. Author is challenging self and others to use this information for further developments in health care and AIDS treatment.
Concerns:
Several of the articles are older but in the context of a review of the logic of AIDS therapies this works. Because the terminology used was technical and specialized, undergraduate college students may have difficulty comprehending the information.
The purpose of the website was not clearly stated, and there was no summary of the information at the end by the author. The home page was a long collection of information on the topic, but it did not seem to flow very well.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The collection of materials is thought provoking. It progresses chronologically with different views of AIDS and the way that various treatment modalities came into being.
Clip art and animated objects (blinking lights) were colorful and appropriate to add visual interest to the website. In one of the linked websites called Bioinformatics, information was written more clearly and easier to understand.
Concerns:
At first glance this is one very long page making it visually overwhelming.Many of the links were not working. Some of the linked websites did not go back to the original site (had to close and then navigate back to the AIDS site). Many of the terms used were not explained on the website.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
No technical expertise is required. The user can proceed from beginning to end or use the links provided. The learning resource includes content headings at the top that link to portions of the website. Most of content is located on the same webpage, making navigating easy, unless using the additional linked websites.
Concerns:
The use of a variety of different fonts and font sizes is distracting. Some font sizes were too small to be easily read. Except for the interesting clipart, there was little visual appeal.
A user's first impression of the site may be negative due to incongruent mixture of technical words (like Pangens theory, 1868) and grouse hunting terms like strike on the wing.
An introductory paragraph to introduce the metaphor and the theorys relevance to health care today would be helpful. Learner interaction would be helpful to engage users.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
