Learn. Genetics is a site created by the
University of Utah that truly lives up to its name. The pros to this site are
numerous. It contains all of the topics contained in the genetics unit of the Biology
I curriculum as well as a majority of the cell unit and even some material on
variation. While the amount of content is commendable the applications
regarding the content is where this website seems to shine. Not only does it
contain the material in text form, but it also contains videos or animations on
many of the pages to allow students to visually see the content. The animations
are extremely well done and all the animations I opened featured full audio descriptions
of the animations. This site also includes virtual labs on various topics
included in the curriculum. Some biology classes, like mine, cannot perform
many experiments as they lack space or may become too much of a hassle to be used
effectively. In these cases virtual labs could be a tremendous asset in science
classrooms to provide another resource for science teachers. The website is
good, but not great and there is one con that keeps making an appearance as I
continue to explore the website. While the animations and the amount of information
are very good, the site is not very interactive beyond the virtual labs. I would like some inclusion of quizes so students can test themselves or some puzzles for extra practice. Despite the lack of interactivity this is a worthwhile website for science teachers and students. While
a university created this website the grade level does not indicate that it is meant
solely for college students. Students in high school can use this website as a
resource when at home. This website could be used for my lower reading skilled
students as well as be useful to my students who could be in honors or even AP
leveled classes. My favorite part of this website is that it is free. Often
science websites that contain wonderful animations and this much content
require either the user sign up or payment.
Learn.Genetics
I wish that when I had taken Biology I could have seen animated videos of the content to expand my knowledge and understanding of the material. Biology can be hard for some students, especially when working on the microscopic level. Having videos provides a visual for things that a teacher could never show. Also, videos about the microscopic levels in biology will increase interest in the material. Once students can see how cool biology really is, it might motivate them to study more. Since there are no ways to assess student knowledge via the website, it should only be used as an aid. Also, teachers would need to be careful to not replace the video with a lesson but use the video to expound upon a lesson. I think this site is great and should definitely be used in the classroom! Visuals can only aid in student learning so why not use them?!?!
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