Three years ago, the "National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science" (NCCSTS) was inspired to merge the case study and flipped classroom approaches. The resulting project aimed to create the materials required to teach a flipped course in introductory biology by assigning videos as homework and case studies in the classroom. Three…

It is well known that schools and colleges often have budget limitations that can hamper the effectiveness of practical education. This article looks at how cheap, off-the-shelf components can be used to produce a simple DIY digital microscope, and how this provides novel opportunities to integrate biology, physics, design technology and computer…

To contribute usefully to a lecture, slides containing tabulated or diagrammatic textual information need to be simple and legible. Such slides can be made by following a few straightforward rules and techniques. Several of these rules and techniques are provided. (JN)

This paper examines the concept of time in multimedia, World Wide Web-based courseware development. The biological concept of entrainment (the alignment of rhythms within and between systems) to accelerate courseware development is explored. The discussion begins with the foundational concepts of entrainment from biological systems and social…

Describes two techniques for making 35 millimeter slides without using photographic film. One method uses clear adhesive contact paper and the other uses transparency film. Both techniques are inexpensive and require only a few minutes of preparation per slide. (JM)

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of both the instrumentation and the software of an emerging, high-technology system used for science instruction. A marriage of computer and television technologies has evolved into an exciting new learning system called interactive videodisc instruction. The development of the hardware…

When two biological simulations on evolution and genetics (one originally developed for a conventional university undergraduate course) were introduced into Open University distance education classes, the difficulties encountered required a reappraisal of the concept of using computer simulation for distance learning and decisions on which…

Discusses biological applications of virtual reality technology that are under development, including making extraordinary scientific images available for the teaching of science. Explores the technology and the development of three-dimensional images. (LZ)

Discusses stages in the evolution of educational software and changes in general and specific software characteristics. Also discusses future developments in educational software and hardware, suggesting the development of a new area in educational and cognitive psychology centering on computers in education. (JN)

Discusses three main aspects of developing effective computer-assisted-instruction (CAI) materials. These include beginning with a complete model of teaching, including certain minimum components and characteristics in a lesson, and evaluating and revising a lesson until it is successful. (JN)

The goal of this project was to devise new methods of producing tactile facsimiles of microscopic images for the blind and visually impaired biology students at the secondary and college level. The numerous raised-line images that were produced were assembled along with brailled and large print student instructions, audio cassette tapes describing…

Describes eight steps in producing computer-assisted-instruction materials. They include selecting a topic, selecting approach to the topic, researching the topic, obtaining a programmer, writing problem definition, soliciting evaluation, field testing, preparing documentation, and monitoring efforts during program production. Also describes a…

Discusses an audio-tutorial anatomy and physiology course which was no more expensive to establish and operate than a traditional course. Topics include development of audio-tutorial materials, construction of facilities, space use, staffing, development of computer programs, and computer costs. (Author/JN)

Describes development of a new British individualized learning scheme which utilizes radio to teach human biology to secondary school students. Program requirements, field testing, and the development of a study guide to accompany the radio instruction are discussed. (MBR)

The Open Learning Institute (OLI) is both an academic institution offering distance education courses and a publishing house for developing and producing distance education course materials. OLI has no resident faculty, but draws science content experts (course writers and consultants) from other academic institutions. The development process…