This opinion statement points out some of the considerations and pitfalls in using virtual reality computer programs in the teaching of life sciences. Emphasis is placed on the possibility of such programs leading to reductionist thinking including how reductionist thinking could foster the formation of misconceptions. Negative feedback is used as…

Numerous articles have been published on the merits of active learning, and collectively they present a body of compelling evidence that these methods do enhance learning. In presenting arguments for active learning, it is often suggested that the traditional didactic lecture is more passive in nature and less effective as a teaching tool.…

Compares student perceptions and learning outcomes of computer-assisted instruction with those of traditional didactic lectures. Class representatives indicated that students did not perceive computer instruction as being time effective. However, exam scores from computer laboratory questions were significantly higher than those from either…

Describes a project designed to introduce andragogical methods into elementary physiology courses, and to compare student perceptions and learning outcomes with those of a separate section of the same course taught by pedagogical principles. Results indicated that students preferred the combined pedagogical and andragogical approach over the…