|
BioLogica� is a a hypermodel for teaching high school genetics, developed over the last four years with support from the National Science Foundation. The software runs on both Windows and Macintosh computers. BioLogica enables students to manipulate processes at different, but dynamically related levels of life function. Like its predecessor program GenScope�, BioLogica includes tools and representations that focus on genetics. Building on that foundation, BioLogica has developed modules and student activities that embody increasingly elaborate models of the parts, processes, and mechanisms of genetics. The hypermodel, which embeds curriculum and assessment functions within a computer-based manipulable model, is a powerful tool for the development of educational activities that embody a model-based learning approach. Tell me more about BioLogica. Tell me more about BioLogica research. Field TrialsBy the end of the current school year (2000-2001), together with our collaborators at the National Classroom, we will have piloted BioLogica in a total of six public high schools: two urban, two suburban, and two rural. In April we brought together a total of 24 middle school students from three different schools on Martha�s Vineyard for a three-day intensive trial during a school vacation week. In addition, teachers in three middle schools and a private high school chose to try it out in their classes. In all, nearly twenty teachers and approximately 700 students will have used various versions of BioLogica by the time school is out.Preliminary Findings, Updated WeeklyWe are currently analyzing the data we've collected. We must stress that analysis is still preliminary and the bulk of the data remain to be analyzed. We expect to complete data analysis by the end of the summer. Please click on the dates below to read our weekly summaries. June 8, 2001
|
