Teaching and Learning Technology Resource| uwa | csd | tltr | altmodes |
DESCRIPTION OF INNOVATION:What I mostly do is develop tutorial style computer applications based around interactive simulations. These include simulations of both individual pieces of scientific equipment and general field and laboratory techniques. 1: Virtual Bomb - a simulation of the "Scholander" type pressure chamber (affectionately known as a bomb) for measuring the water potential of plants. This program firstly familiarises students with the parts of the pressure chamber, and its mode of use and then presents them with an exercise -in this case they use the "Virtual Bomb" to measure the seasonal change in water potential of six tree and shrub species from the Jarrah forest. Once the mesurements are completed the final section of the program shows them how to analyse and/or interpret their data. 2: VegTech* - an introduction to a host of common techniques used by plant ecologists to characterise plant communities. The program is divided into a number of modules (e.g. Diversity, Pattern) which are further subdivided into Topics and Methods. More detailed information is provided at each level including full descriptions of actual techniques and any associated maths. All techniques are accompanied by an interactive simulation in which the student can manipulate settings such as the number of species and the arrangement and density of individuals and then measure and display the appropriate variables. The program has a built-in scientific calculator and simple spreadsheet for carrying out basic statistical tests and saving their data. (* currently undergoing a major reworking and expansion). Along somewhat different lines, I also developed a "text and images" style tutorial on plant nutrition and Australian soils (much of this work was done at Melb Uni in the first half of last year). Select a topic, read the text, view the image, move the mouse around a bit to see some more detailed stuff and click on the hypertext links to go to a glossary. Long on information but short on interactivity. USE:3rd-year students studying "Systems Ecology" as part of a "Natural Resource Management" degree. 3 CAL packages have been developed for a 1st-year unit (Ecosystems processes) EVALUATION:Direct and indirect feedback from students and staff who have used the programs has been largely positive (although 1st-year students tend to be uniformly lacking in enthusiasm). |
ContributorsThe following staff have been active in developing teaching and learning technology for use with students at this university. They are not necessarily all 'experts' in the use of technology but are prepared to provide incidental advice to others, drawing on their practical experiences in developing teaching and learning materials
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