To improve retention and engagement, first-year college science majors enrolled in University Experience orientation courses participated in a hands-on laboratory research experience: a DNA barcoding project to facilitate species identification. Students collected arthropods and hypothesized morphology-based species identifications. Then they…

Science teaching and learning can be made both engaging and student-centered using pedagogical, computer-based learning tools. We have developed self-paced interactive problem-solving tutorials for introductory physics. These tutorials can provide guidance and support for a variety of problem-solving techniques, as well as opportunities for…

While problem solving is a generally accepted goal of most science courses, it has previously been difficult to determine the extent to which students' problem-solving abilities are impacted by these courses. Interactive Multi-Media Exercises (IMMEX) is a web-based software package that can deliver multiple cases of case-based problems and keep…

Explains a computer exam format used with pharmacy students in a clinical biochemistry laboratory course. Student attitudes were assessed. Students felt that their final grade reflected their comprehension, exam pratical facilitated learning, exam format fostered retention and the questions were appropriate. (GS)

Briefly described is the Computer Managed Instruction (CMI) package used in the college chemistry program at El Centro College, Dallas, Texas. (PEB)

Describes the use of a mini-computer facility within a biological science department to introduce biology students to computing in a course-related manner. (AL)

Instructors used an electronic response system to enhance student-centered learning in large and small college biology classes. The system worked well to engage students in learning the subject matter and to assess their prior knowledge and misconceptions. It provided useful feedback to students as well as instructors. Problems encountered…

The potential of the computer usage in instruction is discussed. A project was initiated to identify areas where the computer might yield significant advances in teaching. (DF)

Describes the goals, procedures, and activities of a Computers in Chemistry course for undergraduate chemistry majors. Provides a listing of topics which have user-friendly programs and of representative activities which have been incorporated into the course. Also includes suggestions for student assignments. (ML)

Describes a laboratory exercise that introduces physics students to graphing. Presents the program format and sample output of a computer simulation of an experiment which tests the effects of sound intensity on the crawling speed of a snail. Provides students with practice in making exponential or logarithmic graphs. (ML)

Discusses the use of computers in physics education as a tool in individual student research projects for simulating both simple and more complicated phenomena. Reviews IBM compatible software associated with computer-assisted instruction in physics education. (PR)

Discusses the use of the Interactive Computer-based Testing (ICBT) in university-level science courses as an effective and economical educational tool. The authors discuss: (1) major objectives to ICBT; (2) advantages and pitfalls of the student use of ICBT; and (3) future prospects of ICBT. (HM)