Designing Online Resources in Preparation for Authentic Laboratory Experiences

Abstract

Professional development for science teachers can be benefited through active learning in science laboratories. However, how online training materials can be used to complement traditional laboratory training is less understood. This paper explores the design of online training modules to teach molecular biology and user perception of those modules that were part of an intensive molecular biology "boot camp" targeting high school biology teachers in the State of Hawaii. The John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii had an opportunity to design and develop professional development that prepares science teachers with an introduction of skills, techniques, and applications for their students to conduct medical research in a laboratory setting. A group of 29 experienced teachers shared their opinions of the online materials and reported on how they used the online materials in their learning process or teaching.

Experience of Introduction of the Online Course in Biology for Pharmacy Students in Ukraine

“…Particular benefit in gaining theoretical knowledge was provided by video and multimedia animations, which in prospect more efficiently established themselves in a laboratory conditions during face-to-face contact of a student and a lecturer. 11 The lecturer can assess the quality of knowledge on-line, comment on any work, inform a student about the mistakes and the ways to correct them. On-line course allows the lecturer to do a comprehensive analysis of time spent on classes, as well as the difficulties that have arisen among the students (Figure 9).…”