University-level practical activities in bioinformatics benefit voluntary groups of pupils in the last 2 years of school
University-level practical activities in bioinformatics benefit voluntary groups of pupils in the last 2 years of school
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DOI：
10.1186/s40594-015-0030-z
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发表时间：
2015-01-01
影响因子：
6.7
通讯作者：
Sweeney, Stuart D.
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Barker, Daniel;Alderson, Rosanna G.;Sweeney, Stuart D.
背景：生物信息学-计算机在生物学中的应用-对生物科学和医学具有重要的和日益增长的重要性。我们进行了初步调查，使实用的，大学水平的生物信息学教育的学校水平的价值。我们在苏格兰的两所学校（S5和S6年级; 15-17岁的学生）为学生开展了志愿活动。我们使用的材料最初是为一个可选的最后一年本科模块开发的，现在被纳入4273 pi，一个用于在低成本Raspberry Pi计算机上教学和学习生物信息学的资源。在活动过程中，他们提供了强有力的证据，证明以下方面的增长：学生对计算机在生物学中的价值的认识;他们对Linux操作系统和树莓派的了解;他们使用计算机而不是手机或平板电脑的意愿;他们对计算机编程的能力以及他们用计算机分析DNA序列的能力。我们没有发现强有力的证据的负面影响。结论：我们的初步研究支持的可行性，使大学水平的，实用的生物信息学活动的学生。
Background: Bioinformatics-the use of computers in biology-is of major and increasing importance to biological sciences and medicine. We conducted a preliminary investigation of the value of bringing practical, university-level bioinformatics education to the school level. We conducted voluntary activities for pupils at two schools in Scotland (years S5 and S6; pupils aged 15-17). We used material originally developed for an optional final-year undergraduate module and now incorporated into 4273 pi, a resource for teaching and learning bioinformatics on the low-cost Raspberry Pi computer.Results: Pupils' feedback forms suggested our activities were beneficial. During the course of the activity, they provide strong evidence of increase in the following: pupils' perception of the value of computers within biology; their knowledge of the Linux operating system and the Raspberry Pi; their willingness to use computers rather than phones or tablets; their ability to program a computer and their ability to analyse DNA sequences with a computer. We found no strong evidence of negative effects.Conclusions: Our preliminary study supports the feasibility of bringing university-level, practical bioinformatics activities to school pupils.