We enjoyed presentations by two DOLCE speakers: Susan Keen and Laci Gerhart.
Susan
Keen: “Using a Visual Communication Toolkit exercise in a biology class
to increase visual literacy: benefits and challenges for students and
instructors.”
Students in Introductory Biology used a
virtual toolkit to learn some basic elements of visual design (e.g.,
layout, alignment, proximity, color) and then created a graphical image
responsive to a biology prompt. The image and a brief text explaining
the design choices were submitted via Gradescope. We discussed how
student work indicated an understanding of biology, the potential for
peer evaluation, and the challenges associated with image components, AI
submissions, assessment, and responding to variation in visual
perception among students.
Laci Gerhart: “Integrating Technology and Hands-On Lab Experiences in a New Introductory Biology Course.”
The revision of the introductory biology series
course content and structure provides an opportunity to leverage
technology tools for effective undergraduate instruction. In this
session, Laci Gerhart (Associate Professor of Teaching in Evolution and
Ecology, and faculty lead of the first course in the new intro bio
series (BIO 1/L), discussed the mechanisms by which the new course
leverages technology both for student learning (e.g. scaffolding data
visualization skill building using Google sheets and Excel, using
publicly available data and online simulations) as well as instructional
support (e.g. instructional videos for running activities, shared
grading rubrics, etc), including the trials and tribulations of 1400
students, 30 TAs, four support staff, and two faculty instructors all on
board and successfully navigating new technologies.
