Genetics : a multimedia software package

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the teaching of genetics in a secondary school, using a computer based approach. Genetics is a difficult topic in biology and students generally come into the class with pre-formed misconceptions due to their own experiences in the field. These misconceptions can be very difficult to correct. The aim of this package is to supply the students and the teachers with ample information to aid learning and teaching. This information comes in the form of text, videos, animations, pictures and quizzes. The CD consists of five main sections, each subdividing into further sections: Genetics (the main program), Discoveries (historical information), Curiosities (peculiar things in genetics), Games (quizzes) and a Glossary. There are ample pictures and sounds throughout the program so as to aid the students understand better the concepts behind genetics. This package was also evaluated by a small group of teachers and students, and the overall opinion was that it was an excellent and valid attempt for aiding the teaching and learning of a difficult topic in biology.