This website contains a variety of animations, written material and interactive activities (e.g. drag-and-drop puzzles) pertaining to cell biology. Topics covered include mitosis, meiosis, the cell cycle, size and scale of cells and organelles, and some basic immunology.
Type of Material:
This site is an interactive tutorial that helps users learn about mitosis
Recommended Uses:
View animations in class or have students use the site for review either before or after class
Technical Requirements:
HTML and Flash are necessary to view animations. The Puffin browser is recommended for mobile devices.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
None stated. However, users will learn about the steps in mitosis and what is happening in the cell in each step. The chromosomes are different colors and sizes to show how they double and then separate.
Target Student Population:
Middle/High School Biology, Lower-Division or Gen-Ed Undergraduate College Biology
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
There are no prerequisites for this site, although some knowledge of biology will help in understanding what is presented.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
A wealth of resources and animations gathered into one place
May be a useful adjunct to coursework, particularly for students who prefer a visual and interactive approach
Very basic and introductory overview of the concepts (I suppose this could go in strengths or concerns)
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Concerns:
Most of the animations would be best preceded by a lecture or reading; they aren’t necessarily stand-alone resources and need additional explanation/contextualization
In the Cell Cycle animation the chromosomes appear to separate outside of the cell and then hop inside, which may be confusing without additional explanation
It would help if some actual photographs accompanied the animations so users have an idea of how the animations relate to real life
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Ideas and concepts are clearly explained
Processes and cycles are presented in a step-by-step fashion to demonstrate how each phase relates to the previous and subsequent ones
Interactivity keeps users interested in the material
Concerns:
These resources aren’t meant to stand alone, which is not necessarily a negative factor. They simply need to be framed with letcure, readings or both.
Material may be too basic for all but the most introductory undergraduate-level courses
a quiz or self test at the end would help
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Interface is intuitive, with classic controls for animations, links between activities, etc.
Many of the activities are very interactive. Users can pause and restart animations as needed.
Most of the images are good quality
Color usage is logical
Animations and simulations are straightforward
Concerns:
Website looks a bit dated (design, font, etc)
Dark background and flashy colors + advertisements make it difficult to read
Other Issues and Comments:
The site it was easy to understand and use.
Creative Commons:
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