Creating and Exploring the Educational Potential of a Computerized Pictorial Biology Database

Abstract

The Bioloqy Department at McMaster University is interested in courses for which students can generate computerized text presentations around a computerized data base of biological images. The student texts are to be added to the pre-existing data base at the end of the semester. This project describes the problems encountered when developing a CD-ROM to contain the images. The images were initially incorporated onto Kodak photo CDs. To place all the images on a single CD-ROM they were compressed into a JPEG file format. The suitability of Asymetrix Multimedia ToolBook 3.0 and Microsoft PowerPoint 4.0 for use by students preparing accompanying text is then assessed. A development strategy for the data base is then explored. Hypertext is judged to be the environment of choice. Research into the structuring of hypertext to enhance student learning reveals that the development of tutorials to accompany the students' texts and the computerized data base will be a crucial step. Behaviourist and cognitive psychology strategies for learning are used as a platform to suggest a structure for the data base. Finally interface design research is used to outline the format of the student presentations.