Kevin Bacon, tactical warfare, and protein networks - An interactive online quantitative cellular biology learning module

BIOL 295F - Introductory Quantitative Cellular Biology was first offered at a Midwest US Research I institution during the fall 2004 semester. An online learning module on protein networks was designed and implemented for the second offering of the course during the fall 2005 semester. The overarching design goal was to create an online module to help students develop a large scale mental model of biomolecule interactions as a formal network. The application of network theory to biochemical networks provides a new view on cell function and stands to make a significant contribution to future advances in systems and computational biology. By taking advantage of advances in technology, the online module was developed to provide both visual representations of networks, so as to help engineering students best learn using their preferred learning style, and interactive learning features to engage students in the necessary higher-level critical thinking. This paper will highlight the design, implementation, and assessment of the new online learning module. Student learning gains were assessed using pre-post quiz questions focused on concepts presented in the online learning module. In addition, students' actual use of the tool and their perceptions of the interactive online learning modules versus other modes of instruction were evaluated through the use of an attitudinal survey.