Despite all the benefits and enhanced visualization provided by computers, there are those who experience anxiety and find it difficult to gain an understanding from their use. I am not certain whether this problem stems from a computer-phobia or that some people need to physically touch and manipulate objects in their hands to process information.
Computer illustrations complement physical specimens that the students can manipulate and analyze.
Diversifying techniques and approaches accommodate the vastly different backgrounds and diverse aptitudes of the students. Introductory courses such as general biology laboratory include students from a wide assortment of majors. Many of these undergraduates need to take general biology laboratory only to fill an academic requirement and come to class with little interest in the material. Additionally, the students often have very disparate scientific experiences. Some may have taken other college courses in biology or have had a similar course in high school, while others have never opened a biology book.