Microarrays MediaBook. 2004. Created and developed by the Institute for Science Learning, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute. National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Center for Research Resources, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and US Department of Education. gcat.davidson.edu/Pirelli/index.htm. Accessed December 8, 2006. System Requirements Adobe Flash Player Microarrays MediaBook is an animated, online tutorial that explores the world of genomics through an innovative, interactive learning environment with what the site developers term a textbook for a technology society. It is appropriate for high school biology students and more advanced students, in particular college biology. The Microarrays MediaBook was developed by a team of researchers, programmers, and graphic artists. DNA microarrays are gene sequences spotted on a glass slide to measure simultaneously the level of transcription for an entire genome and are vital to genomic research. The Microarrays MediaBook integrates multimedia learning into current science topics with today's technology-oriented teaching techniques. The modules are presented using 3-D animations and dynamic, interactive learning tools that help students gain a thorough understanding of genomics, its applications to their lives, and their future. The module content ranges from the basics of DNA microarray research methods to the more complex mathematical interpretation of the research data. Students can choose their learning path by selecting the type of presentation they prefer. For example, they can view the animations and listen to the audio narration, or view the animations and read the captions from the screen while they listen to the narration, or view the animations and read the transcript only from the computer or in print format from the Narration Print Files section. The availability of the printed narration easily allows students to study away from the computer. Since the narrator speaks quickly, the captions are often very helpful. Also, reviews and assessments are included in the modules and are integrated with the presentations to assure students are ready to move to the next step. The assessments are presented in various formats and allow multiple attempts with personalized feedback, comments that explain why the answer is correct or incorrect. Some questions even include animated graphics or interactive diagrams. A glossary, notebook, bookmark, and calculator are included in the Tools section. The glossary is essential to ensure that the students have the correct meaning of the many vocabulary words necessary to understand the concepts. Besides a general glossary, a context keywords list is included for each subsection, which is linked to the glossary for easy access to definitions. The context keywords list encourages the use of the glossary and helps the novice understand essential terms, and the advanced learner understand more complex terms. The calculator is easy to use and is useful for the sections that require mathematical computations. The presence of the calculator also helps to emphasize the importance of mathematics in the study of genomics. The notebook has adequate formatting features and encourages students to take notes to help them learn and apply the concepts. The bookmark allows for easy return to desired pages. Overall. the Tools help the students accomplish their work with the Web site, so they can focus on learning and not on locating study supplies such as calculators, notebooks and dictionaries. …