The Biology 20 web page has a standard HTML web interface. Both computer simulations use simple interfaces that are not engaging. Basic knowledge of the web, and the MacOS to run the simulations. The two simulations are used in place of two traditional labs. Currently, he is not planning on using more technology in Biology 20.
Students rank the two labs that use computers lowest in popularity.
Professor Miller commented that students prefer hands-on experiments to computer simulations, but another explanation might be that the software is relatively old and not engaging. He plans on continuing to use the two computer simulations because they present information in a way that can t be accomplished through a normal lecture or lab. Although Professor Miller is skeptical about adding more technology to Biology 20, he expressed interest in the possibility of interactive simulations, especially in 3D. He said that a program that would allow students to interact with the parts of a cell, and to experiment with certain conditions, such as the oxygen supply being cut off or viewing mitosis, would be a valuable addition to the class. Professor Miller also stated that certain topics in Biology lend themselves well to interactive education. He would be very interested in software that guided the student through the concepts of genetics, but he feels that his current method of teaching genetics is effective enough that it is currently not worth investigating genetics software.