Interactive Multimedia Simulations of Experimental Biotechnology Laboratories for Introductory Biology Students

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9455425 Bergland Over 600 students (mainly non-science majors) take Introductory Biology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls each year. Many of these students tend to equate success in college with the ability to memorize facts, and need more exposure to critical thinking skills used by scientific investigators. Research on gender issues in science education indicates that computer simulation is a particularly effective way to interest more women in pursuing scientific careers. We are developing highly interactive experimental simulations based on existing upper-division laboratories in our biotechnology curriculum (Virology, Molecular Biology, and Animal Cell Culture). These simulations are used by Introductory Biology students to generate and test their own hypotheses while working in small collaborative groups. Students manipulate objects on the computer's screen much as they would in reality. For example, they can "spin" the dial of a micro pipette or operate the control panel of a spectrophotometer, DNA thermal cycler, or electron microscope. Digitized video images of students using actual equipment are incorporated into the simulations to make them more realistic. Undergraduate education majors enrolled in a teaching methods class are involved in the evaluation of the simulations which gives them first-hand experience in evaluating the uses of technology in the classroom. The editorial staff of BioQUEST will provide assistance in the dissemination of the simulations.