Modeling and Simulation in the Biology Classroom Focus Group Findings

  • Current classroom uses of modeling/computational biology
    • Basic math, mod/sim and viz
    • Some co-taught courses with math and CS

  • Addition of modules to lesson plans
    • Types of modules
      • Sim as virtual lab
      • Learning mod/sim

    • Barriers to adoption of modules
      • Lack of teacher knowledge
      • Students aren’t practiced active learners
      • Large number of tools and methods is rapidly growing

    • Facilitators to adoption of modules
      • Pre-built simulations and materials for non-programmers
      • Free (inexpensive) software
      • Well supported

    • Incentives to adoption
      • Technology's rapid advance
      • Biology beyond stamp collecting

    • Need for additional materials
      • General Science students need exposure
      • General Science students need exposure

  • Support needed for educators
    • Supporting materials with sufficient background for non-experts
    • Quality documentation and support
    • Community building: online forum, wiki ...
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