SimBio

Abstract

There are an abundance of online resources teachers can use to teach biological concepts. A newly revised version of SimBio has just hit the market, and it shows to be quite good. SimBio uses an installed app and provides three styles of interactive content: tutorial labs, interactive chapters, and workbook labs for eight content areas: Intro Bio, Ecology, Evolution, Env Science, Cell Biology, Genetics, Conservation Biology, and Physiology. Tutorial labs feature onscreen instructions and instant feedback questions throughout. Workbook labs include instructions and questions in a separate downloadable workbook. Interactive chapters are analogous to textbook chapters in coverage, but they are inquiry-driven and interactive, providing instant feedback to reinforce student understanding.The content of SimBio has been developed by scientists and science educators. The materials are visually engaging and include embedded graphing, data analysis, case studies, interactives, and simulations. Detailed module overviews and learning outcomes are provided for educators to preview and print before purchasing or assigning to students. The ease of use for educators and students makes complex concepts in a wide variety of disciplines accessible. Topics such as action potentials, cellular respiration, community dynamics, gene regulation, and global biogeochemical cycles are delivered to students through interactive simulations paired with readings and checks for understanding. The simulations are intuitive and easy for students to use. Readings provide background information and encourage deeper understanding. The checks for understanding provide immediate feedback and the results are visible to the instructor and the student.Each of the SimBio modules includes auto-scored quiz questions designed to be used as in-class work, homework, or a combination of the two. In the instructor portal, there are menus for adding course sections and instructors, assignments, performance, gradebook, and supplemental materials.There are a wide variety of content and delivery options. For example, Intro Bio includes tutorial labs titled How Diseases Spread, DNA Explored, Transcription & Translation Explored, Gene Regulation Explored, Understanding Experimental Design, Keystone Predator, Cellular Respiration, Darwinian Snails, Nutrient Pollution, Genetic Drift and Bottlenecked Ferrets, Isle Royale, Sickle-Cell Alleles, Mendelian Pigs, Meiosis Explored, Mitosis Explored, Action Potentials Explored, and Understanding Population and Growth Models. The workbook labs for Intro Bio are Keystone Predator, Darwinian Snails, Isle Royale, Sickle-Cell Alleles, Genetic Drift and Bottlenecked Ferrets, Flowers and Trees, Nutrient Pollution, Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, Niche Wars, Evolutionary Evidence, Osmosis, and Diffusion. It is easy to see how these can be assigned in an instructional unit that builds in complexity.Once modules are ordered for a course, the instructor is directed to the SimUText System to assign the modules to students. The SimUText Instructor Portal guides you through all steps of set-up, including sharing course-specific subscription information with students. The SimUText Instructor Portal also includes tools to help monitor and assign points for student work, provides links to Supplemental Teaching Materials, a searchable manual, and access to the SimUText Application.The materials have been written with college students in mind and could be used with honors-level high school students. Whether in college or high school, SimBio can help educators support students in a variety of ways. The active learning and inquiry-based approach helps make content accessible to all learners. In the event of extended absence, simulations can replace, prepare for, or reinforce knowledge gained from lab exercises for individual students. These same materials can be used in a virtual setting to provide experiences analogous to those of in-person laboratory experiences.While there are multiple options for purchase, the price may be prohibitive to some, which can be a concern if you are in search of an equitable solution for all learners. Virtual labs can be purchased for $6 per lab per student, unlimited labs for $49 per student, interactive chapters for $10 per chapter per student, or unlimited chapters and labs for $89 per student. They do encourage anyone with special requirements or general questions to contact them through a linked form.