Project Description:
Development of a series of interactive adaptive tutorials that incorporate simulations in a virtual laboratory setting to enhance delivery of lab science content foundational to Yr 12 Biology and Year 1 University curricula in Australia. The delivery of blended learning to this group of gifted and talented Yr 12 Biology students will set BEST Network Partner Institutions above the national standard.
User Group:
The target user group would be Australian Year 12 Biology Students (in particular, gifted and talented) transitioning into Year 1 University Medicine or Science courses
Subject area:
10 Selected Core Lab Related Topics representing a hybridised content within Year 12 Biology and Year 1 University Biology Curricula -Australia-wide
Estimated timeline:
12 months
Key Participants and budget:
Dr Patsie Polly, Prof Nick Hawkins, Mrs Ruth Miller and Dr Bridget Murphy (UNSW)
$30,000 (10 topics at approximately $3,000 to produce and deploy)
Educational Outcomes:
Yr 12 Biology students (in particular gifted and talented) will understand difficult concepts by actually performing self paced experiments for which they were once only taught theoretically. In essence, students will learn by ‘doing’ and thus be prepared for what is expected for lab based learning in first year Medicine and Science courses at Year 1 University.
Project Sponsor: Dr Patsie Polly
Risk Management:
Risk: Year 12 Biology Students may not engage with virtual interactive environments effectively.
Mitigation Strategy: Stage in concepts sequentially such that students recognise how to self-pace their learning via interactive environments. Discussions should occur around how this mode of learning may have life-long learning advantages which will enable their smooth transition into Science courses at University.
Risk: Yr 12 Biology Teachers may not implement these interactive resources in a timely manner or not to full potential due to their own ‘use of IT fears’
Mitigation Strategy: Ensure that virtual learning spaces are accessible to teachers by providing ‘how-to-user guides’ or host on-line workshops
Raise student awareness of the power of virtual learning environments for use as homework tools or preparative tools for examinations.
Partner Projects 