I started out making a project that was not mobile device dependent. I focused on an active learning assignment which took advantage of mobile technology if it was available.
The assignment was on Gene, Genetics, and Genomes and given to an Introduction to Biology class for science majors (BIOL 1115). I was not teaching the class at the time but had taught the first half of the course.
The assignment was posted on Blackboard as a PowerPoint converted to a PDF. There were 4 tasks to complete and each task was due about 4-5 days after completion of the previous task.
I created a Blog (courseweb) for the assignment and added participants using their “mylangara” email account. Students were invited to join the Blog and given “Author” privileges.
I also posted instructions on posting to the Blog using a computer, Iphone, Ipod etc. and Android devices. Each of these was posted as a separate document on our Blackboard site.
I didn’t require then to use a mobile device. However, I presented them with the option. Students were graded on the assignment. The assignment was worth about 1-2% of their final grade. The assignment ran the last two weeks of November.
Task 1- Phenotype Determination
Task 1 was to post a picture of their ear to the Blog and comment on whether or not they liked Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts.
26 students posted pictures and veggie preferences.
Task 2 – Genotype Determination
Students used information provided in the assignment PDF and provided web links to determine what genes might lead to the phenotypes of attached or free earlobes and veggie preferences.
Task 3 -Crosses
Students were paired up based on order of posting and asked to determine what their offspring might look like and want for dinner.
The skills to complete this task had been discussed in class. I also posted a link to a Khan Academy Video for review purposes.
The students handed this assignment in to me.
Task 4 – Genomes
I had the students watch a TED talk on the future of genome sequencing http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_resnick_welcome_to_the_genomic_revolution.html and then sent them back to blackboard to participate in a discussion on the following topic.
“I think it would be a great idea for the Government of
Canada to pay for everyone to get their genomes sequenced.
The money that this would save in health care costs in the
future would far outweigh the initial cost of sequencing.”
22 Students participated in the discussion.
Overall I think it was successful. My rough guess would be that 4 or 5 used their mobile devices to complete the tasks.
When I teach this course again I will use this assignment. I will be using a version of it again in an online lab for non-science majors running this Spring term.
In the future I will continue to focus on active learning giving the mobile option. Also hopefully our new LMS (D2L) will provide a platform more conducive to mobile learning.