The image is broadcast so that the students can observe the heart rate of the organism on their television monitors. They determine the heart rate in beats per minute. This simulates a traditional laboratory exercise, the only difference being that the instructor performs the physical activity of handling the laboratory materials. It should be emphasized that the students are solely responsible for all other aspects of the experiment, including data collection and analysis. A formal laboratory report complete with references is required by all students.
Students use their local libraries and other sources for references.
The second manner in which laboratory exercises are conducted is by having the distance education students visit campus. The students come to campus only once, usually on a Saturday. The students conduct several experiments that could not be done well via the satellite network, including two outdoor exercises. Students have commented that they enjoy the Saturday laboratory experience. It gives the students and me a chance to get to know each other better, and I have found participation by these students greatly increases after their visit to campus.