I am writing to thank you and SimBio for allowing Neumann University to offer online labs to students this FALL 2020 semester as a free trial period. The lab simulations have been very helpful to reinforce the lecture content and encourage students to use critical thinking skills to solve problems. The modules with the tutorial feedback and graded questions are wonderful and much appreciated time savers to reduce hours usually spent grading student work!Patti Fallest-Strobl, Neumann University
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.Dr. Peter Curtis, Ohio State University
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.Student, Rochester Community and Techincal College
I am getting great reports of how much they like [Understanding Experimental Design]… The students like the Experimental Design tutorial 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.Paulette Bierzychudek, Lewis & Clark College
I continue to be really impressed with your support folks. Any of our concerns and problems are always dealt with quickly and correctly - I can't tell you how much I appreciate that.Patty Shields, University of Maryland
There are several things that really set SimUText apart from traditional Ecology textbooks. First, the text provides some incredible video and simulation model content that make it an active resource rather than a static read. Second, my students are forced to pause in their reading and formulate hypotheses based on their reading. Its so helpful to the students because they are applying knowledge while they read. Third, I really appreciate the immediate feedback I can access through the instructor website that shows me which questions are hard for students to answer so I can plan my class time accordingly. 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. Emily Bernhardt, Duke University
Congratulations for developing such a high quality chapter. I was very impressed by its comprehensiveness, accuracy, and thoughtful design. It really is superb.Richard Boone, Humboldt State University
Our experience with [the Isle Royale and Darwinian Snails labs] last Spring in our majors introductory course was excellent.Dr. Lawrence Blumer, Morehouse College
They absolutely loved [Keystone Predator]. … [it] allowed them to quickly appreciate how the biology of the organisms played a role, that the species differed in colonizing abilities, and the concept of a species with an effect disproportionate to its abundance. I was amazed how quickly and effortlessly the simulation taught them a dynamic system.Paula Philbrick, University of Connecticut
Regarding chapter content, as primarily a behavioral ecologist, I really appreciate the presentation of optimal foraging theory, especially the Marginal Value Theorem, in the Behavioral Ecology Chapter. I remember my own frustrations in grad. school trying to figure out the unusual graphing scheme used to present this theory, the simulations really simplify my own comprehension and I hope, also my students'.Dean Keddy-Hector, Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, TX)
I would like to say that the new and revamped activities are awesome! Your team does such an amazing job. I can see so much of what I learn about how to support and assess student learning incorporated into the labs and chapters. I am sure you know that this is not the case with many of the online learning platforms I have tried out. You guys really stand apart.Dr. Patricia Moore, University of Georgia
I have had no less than half a dozen kids (totally unprompted) this week the me how much better they like [SimUText Ecology] than a traditional text. So I think you are definitely doing something right!Nicholas Henshue, SUNY at Buffalo
incorporating the SimBio Chapters into my course went very well. They provided valuable reinforcement to my lectures and ensured that the students were doing at least a little studying between exams. I appreciated how easy it was ... [SimBio staff were] very helpful (and prompt) during the initial process. In addition, the instructor interface was intuitive and user-friendly. Overall, I had a very positive experience, and I will definitely keep using them next fall!Tara Darcy-Hall, Indiana University
My students were extremely engaged. They did not take any breaks for the duration of the lab period (90 minutes)! They found the animations and interactive exercises to be very helpful.Claudia Berreto, University of New Mexico - Valencia
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.Matt Orr, Oregon State University, Cascades
I thought the [SimUText] was just fantastic. The idea of having simulations embedded within the textbook is brilliant, and I think a vast majority of students cannot help but become engaged by this technology.Jeffrey Holland, Purdue University
I am very impressed with the quality and the functionality of SimUText ... The simulations are perfect, the questions are at the right level, you're walking them through it and demanding a response so they can't be passive like they can in lecture.William Brown, SUNY Fredonia
