Integrative Metabolism: An Interactive Learning Tool for Biochemistry, Physiology and Nutrition

这一“概念验证”项目正在开发一种名为“综合新陈代谢”的计算机动画、基于教学的互动学习原型。这一原型的目的是加强学生在由不同男性和女性学生组成的两年制和四年制本科机构中对新陈代谢的接触和了解。通过整合营养学、生理学和生物化学，该原型克服了学生参与和理解新陈代谢的障碍。两个目标是：(1)产生一个原型，允许自定进度地学习科学术语，并通过在日常生活方式选择中框定营养、生理和生物化学来吸引用户，以及(2)在原型上覆盖基于案例的互动学习，以促进有效的学习。来自两年制和四年制学校的男女学生和教职员工正在合作，在技术上丰富和在教学上加强去年开发的这个原型的样本。使用基于案例和以学习者为中心的设计，学生探索全身、器官、细胞和酶水平的新陈代谢。这个项目的智力价值在于它能够揭开新陈代谢的神秘面纱，并让学生参与到无风险、有吸引力和互动的学习中。这个项目产生的更广泛的影响是向我们的年轻人灌输对新陈代谢的热情和理解，这不仅可能影响他们的职业选择，而且还会影响他们的健康。这一“概念验证”项目的结果将作为全面开发和商业出版的基础。

This "proof of concept" project is developing a computer-animated, pedagogically-based, interactive learning prototype called "Integrative Metabolism". The purpose of this prototype is to enhance student exposure to and understanding of metabolism at two- and four-year undergraduate institutions comprised of diverse male and female students. By integrating nutrition, physiology and biochemistry, the prototype overcomes barriers to student engagement and understanding of metabolism. Two objectives are: (1) to produce a prototype that will allow self-paced learning of science terms and engage the user by framing nutrition, physiology, and biochemistry within everyday lifestyle choices, and (2) to overlay case-based, interactive learning onto the prototype to promote effective learning. Female and male students and faculty from a 2- and 4-year school are collaborating to technically enrich and pedagogically enhance a sample of this prototype developed this past year. Using a case-based and learner-centered design, students explore metabolism at the whole body, organ, cellular and enzyme levels. The intellectual merit of this project lies in its ability to demystify metabolism and engage students in risk-free, engaging and interactive learning. The broader impact resulting from this project is an infusion of enthusiasm and understanding of metabolism to our youth that could influence not only their choice of careers, but also their health. Results from this "proof of concept" project will serve as a basis for full development and a commercial publisher.