Simulated Biology. Real Learning.
// by Eli Meir
One of the reasons I enjoy working at SimBio (after three decades of building biology education software) is that we have always maintained a strong research emphasis behind our learning tools. Rather than focusing solely on producing new virtual …
Beyond Multiple Choice – The Answers are in the Questions!Read More
// by Eli Meir
Biology instructors sometimes ask me why they should use virtual labs in their classes. The implication seems to be that virtual labs are inferior and not something they’d consider unless wet labs are unavailable (say, for example, during a …
// by Eli Meir
Over the past decade, the University of Western Ontario quietly built an excellent science education conference that is one of my favorites to attend. The biannual Western Conference on Science Education selects a central theme showcasing plenary …
Beyond Curriculum – Bridging Gaps in Science EducationRead More
// by Eli Meir
Most SimBio authors, myself included, come from biology research backgrounds, so it’s not good enough for us to feel like we’re creating great teaching tools - we want evidence! I’m proud to report a new paper, which shows how SimBio’s education …
Helping Undergraduates Understand Natural Selection – Our Research is Making a Difference!Read More
// by Eli Meir
Three weeks ago now (swish, there goes the time) I was at the CCLI conference sponsored by NSF for projects that have received funding from their division of undergraduate education. We were there showing results from our EvoBeaker studies and our …
// by Eli Meir
Last week I was at a meeting sponsored by NSF that brought together people who have worked on project funded by their CCLI program (Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement). They fund an impressively large number of projects through that …
“[SimBio’s modules] provide a powerful environment for hands-on, active learning in Ecology and Evolution. The depth, design, and pedagogical effectiveness of these packages is unequaled. They have greatly enriched student interest and understanding in all of my courses, from Introductory Biology to Advanced Population Biology”
“The lab simulations have been very helpful to reinforce the lecture content and encourage students to use critical thinking skills to solve problems.”
“I was amazed how quickly and effortlessly the simulation taught them a dynamic system.”
“The students like [it] so much that they are working ahead of what I have assigned. They just think it’s fun. And from the quiz results I have so far, they’re really getting it. You guys are geniuses.”
“Since we began using Simbio’s Ecology chapters our students consistently come to class better prepared. This is a key to the success of our hybrid flipped classroom approach.”
“That was the most fun I’ve had teaching ecology and, I would venture to guess, the most fun my students have had taking ecology from me.”
“Our students are more prepared and our class discussions are more sophisticated because SimUText is such a great out of class “instructor”. Since our students have SimUText preparation we can spend class time applying concepts and evaluating new information.”
“I LOVE that every lab is based on a real study. I LOVE that all of the labs offer an open-ended inquiry. I LOVE that the labs gradually teach the concepts and build up a repertoire of data collection techniques. Thank you, for creating them.”
“I just wanted to say how great simutext has been. I could have memorized facts about the electron transport chain and passed the test, but would not have had any solid concept of what was happening inside. I hope that we continue to use it often even when things return to normal.”
“Congratulations for developing such a high quality chapter. I was very impressed by its comprehensiveness, accuracy, and thoughtful design. It really is superb.”
“I recommend your modules to anyone I can, because of all the online materials I’ve found, SimBio is really the best in content and best managed. I am definitely a SimBio fan!”