A CAL program to teach the basic principles of genetic engineering—a change from the traditional approach

Abstract

An interactive computer-assisted learning program written for the BBC microcomputer to teach the basic principles of genetic engineering is described. The pro-gram makes extensive use of colour, graphics, and animation and is aimed at A-level students of biology. Students select, from a menu, to investigate one of a number of identified processes involved in the overall production of a protein, each of which is treated as a self-contained unit. An assessment of how much of the factual information the student has learned is provided in the form of a computer 'adventure game' which is not only challenging but fun to play. Briefly, the student is led into an imaginary laboratory and must choose from shelves those essential items (e.g. reagents, starting materials, techniques) to progress through several stages culminating in the production of genetically engineered bacteria capable of producing a specific protein.