Computers in teaching and learning biology

Abstract

This paper explores the innovative biology teaching software which has arisen over the last few years and the lessons which could possibly be learned from its development. Future developments in the use of software and hardware in the teaching of biology are discussed. The paper outlines some alternative strategies which future software development may follow. The first would involve a concerted effort to produce high quality software (perhaps developed by consortia), dedicated to computer assisted learning which could be used in common courses throughout the U.K., Alternatively, the biologist may witness a drift away from classical computer-assisted learning, and a blurring of the distinction between teaching and research applications. If the latter scenario should materialize then it is suggested that the goal should be to produce computer-aware biologists rather than to use computers to instruct the student in biology.