Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Maglia, Anne
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
National Science Foundation Grant to Dr. Anne Maglia & Dr. Jennifer Leopold: The MorphologyNet Digital Library of 3D Reconstructions of Anatomy
Abstract
The project described herein is part of an existing effort to determine if: 1) virtual-reality software can be an effective supplement for secondary science education, and 2) virtual-reality educational software can be developed efficiently and cost effectively from an existing game engine. For my portion of the research, I will develop exercises and activities to be implemented in the game (currently in development), and associated lesson plans to aid teachers in integrating the software into classroom instruction. The educational tools I develop will be consistent with the Missouri State Education Standards. I also will conduct usability analyses to determine: 1) the usability of the software and virtual-reality environment, and 2) the effectiveness of the program in meeting the educational goals. If successful, this project could transform the expectations of, and strategies for creating, educational applications by providing a cost-effective model for developing realistic and engaging didactic software.
Biography
Janelle Modglin is a Freshman Biological Sciences student here at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Janelle is the oldest of four children and the first generation in her family to attend an institution of higher learning. She has been actively involved in Student Life on the Missouri S& T campus during her first year; serving as a member and committee chair of the Residential College Association and as a member of the Residential Hall Association. Janelle is working towards earning both her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Science and a certification in secondary education. Upon her graduation, Janelle hopes to acquire a position as a secondary educator and begin immediately working on her master's degree in Biological Sciences.
Research Category
Natural Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Havener Center, Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
9 Apr 2008, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Virtual Reality in Secondary Education; A New Approach to Educational Software
Havener Center, Upper Atrium/Hallway
The project described herein is part of an existing effort to determine if: 1) virtual-reality software can be an effective supplement for secondary science education, and 2) virtual-reality educational software can be developed efficiently and cost effectively from an existing game engine. For my portion of the research, I will develop exercises and activities to be implemented in the game (currently in development), and associated lesson plans to aid teachers in integrating the software into classroom instruction. The educational tools I develop will be consistent with the Missouri State Education Standards. I also will conduct usability analyses to determine: 1) the usability of the software and virtual-reality environment, and 2) the effectiveness of the program in meeting the educational goals. If successful, this project could transform the expectations of, and strategies for creating, educational applications by providing a cost-effective model for developing realistic and engaging didactic software.
