An Integrated Package of Computer-Based Learning Tools for Teaching Biochemistry in a Studio Format

Rensselaer开发的工作室教学模式促进学习，通过让学生直接参与知识获取来激发他们的兴趣，促进沟通技能的发展，并允许根据不同学生群体的不同需求定制教育过程。这个生物化学项目旨在扩展和改进基于计算机的学习模块，并创建一套完整的教学材料，用于以工作室的形式教授生物化学。这些材料将包括：(A)课堂工作室活动的说明，例如要解决的问题、要通过电子表格分析和绘制的数据、要使用分子建模软件研究的结构主题、要研究的课堂讨论问题；(B)能够在电脑投影和在电脑屏幕上观看的笔记和图表，用于工作室环境中的简短讲座；(C)使用和使用软件的说明；(D)试题样本；和(E)交互式多媒体教程。这些教程将混合使用文本、图形、音频、视频和动画来说明生化原理、事实和机制。学习单元将通过内部网和/或万维网分发给学生。他们将被用来在伦斯勒教授分子生物化学I和II，教授高级本科生和研究生。另一门课程将在夏季向高中教师讲授，将使用相同的材料。将进行的测验和评估的结果将指导不断扩大和改进教学材料包的进程。

The studio mode of teaching that has been developed at Rensselaer promotes learning, excites students' interest by involving them directly in knowledge acquisition, fosters development of communication skills, and allows tailoring the educational process to varied needs of a diverse student population. This project in biochemistry is designed to expand and improve computer-based learning modules, and to create an integrated package of instructional materials for teaching biochemistry in a studio format. These materials will include: (a) instructions for in-class studio activities, such as problems to be solved, data to be analyzed and graphed via spreadsheets, structural motifs to be examined using molecular modeling software, questions to be researched for in-class discussion; (b) notes and diagrams in a form allowing computer projection as well as viewing on a computer screen, for use in short lectures within the studio context; (c) instructions for accessing and using software; (d) sample test questions; and (e) interactive multimedia tutorials. The tutorials will use a mix of text, graphics, audio, videos and animations to illustrate biochemical principles, facts and mechanisms. The learning modules will be designed for distribution to students via intranets and/or the World Wide Web. They will be used to teach Molecular Biochemistry I and II at Rensselaer to a mix of advanced undergraduate and graduate students. A separate course to be delivered in summers to high school teachers, will use the same materials. Results of quizzes and evaluations to be carried out will guide a continuing process of expansion and improvement of the package of instructional materials.