Application of blended learning in undergraduate biochemistry teaching

Abstract

Biochemistry course, a professional basic course for biological and medical students, is a challenging course for both leaching and learning. The conventional classroom teaching cannot absolutely satisfy the demands of learning. New teaching methods must be explored to improve the quality and efficiency of both teaching and learning. E-learning is a well-accepted tool in supplementary to conventional classroom teaching. In this paper, advantages and limitations of both conventional teaching and e-learning models are presented. A brand-new blended learning model, combined e-learning with conventional lecture- based learning, was applied in biochemistry teaching for undergraduate students of marine biology resources and environments major, in Dalian maritime university, China. Our experience with the use of an e-learning platform is also described. KEYWORD: Biochemistry teaching; blended learning; e-learning; teaching effectiveness