Designing and Implementing

Virtual Coursewareto Promote

Inquiry-based LearningMel Limson

Robert Desharnais and Dave MayoDepartments of Biological and Geological

SciencesCalifornia State University, Los Angeles

Developed with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the

California State University

Project Philosophy

Students Learn by Doing!

Virtual Courseware activities are interactive simulations that emphasize the scientific

method:• making observations• proposing hypotheses• designing experiments• collecting and analyzing data• synthesizing and communicating results

Activities Produced• Virtual FlyLab (1995)• Virtual Earthquake (1996)• Biology Labs On-Line (1999 –2002)• Geology Labs On-Line (1999–2001)• New Earthquake Activity (2000–2003)• Global Warming Suite (2002 –2005)

• Energy Balance• Future Climate Change

• VCISE - Virtual Courseware for Inquiry-based Science Education

(2004 +)• Drosophila • Geologic Relative Dating

Guiding Design Principles

• Align to learning standards or objectives

• Make the software web-based and easily accessible

• Design to be interactive, intuitive, and inquiry-based

• Reinforce scientific methodology and thinking skills

• Create open-ended simulations with linear demonstration tours

Guiding Design Principles

• Simulate experimental error by programming randomization algorithms

• Provide mechanisms that allow students to save results

• Incorporate assessment tools

• Allow customization by instructors

• Provide supporting documentation

ScienceCourseware.org

ScienceCourseware.org

Mel Limson, Ph.D.Project Manager

Email: mlimson@calstatela.edu

Dave Mayo, Ph.D. Project Co-Director, Geological SciencesPaul Narguizian, Ph.D.Faculty Associate, Science Education

David RisnerSoftware Engineer

Bobby Berberyan Graphics Designer

Robert Desharnais, Ph.D. Project Director, Biological SciencesEmail: rdeshar@calstatela.edu

LaShawn Allen Graduate Assistant

Virtual Courseware Project Team