Recently the Teaching Innovation Center (TIC) hosted a Coffee and Conversation event that focused on discussing the question, how can we reimagine labs and experiential learning opportunities?  We further examined this question by talking about how lab skills prepare students for future careers, considering both the lab technology and the collaborative nature of the lab environment.  Joining us as a guest speaker was Ara Austin, PhD . Dr. Austin is currently the Director of Online Engagement & Strategic Initiatives at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University. Experiential Learning So, how do we define experiential learning ? During our conversation, we discussed how experiential learning is about the application of learning rather than just sharing information about a topic. It is the "learning by doing" concept. Most often in biology education, these unique skills are only given in laboratory settings, with a hands-on approach. We also conside...

The ability of students to think abstractly and formally is one of the major challenges instructors have faced over time. This is true across all disciplines but more so in the sciences. Concepts such as molecular bonding, biochemical pathways and cellular communication bring the biggest challenges to students as they require one to think outside of one’s normal schema. Arizona State University Emeritus Professor Anton Lawson , states, Concrete thinking is just regarding the facts. On the other hand, abstract thinking goes down below the facts. While some mental process is involved in abstract thinking, no such effort is evolved in concrete thinking. A person with concrete thinking does not think beyond the facts. They do not have the ability to think beyond a certain limit. Concrete thinkers only have a generalized concept for all things. On the other hand, abstract thinkers have a very specific concept of things. Is there a secret to teaching abstract thinking to learners? One of the...

Have you ever questioned whether the simulations you use in your classroom reflect the diversity of your students?  This is a relevant topic at Arizona State University, and in the School of Life Sciences, we implemented a review team to specifically look at the avatars and environments shown in our simulations used for online lab classes. Our review team developed a cultural values guide that helped staff and instructors review specific cases where avatars could appear to be stereotypes, and make suggestions for changes that would show more diversity and be more inclusive.  Simulations were reviewed for: Using language that describes observable facts versus judgement in an assessment of an avatar.  Showing diversity with non-binary avatars, and non-traditional roles for genders Modeling interactions between avatars as respectful to various communities Showing a diversity of religious beliefs within the scientific community Promoting avatars with disabilities f...

Friday, April 14, 2017 from 3-5pm The ASU School of Life Sciences faculty and grad students had an opportunity to experience virtual reality and new technologies last week at the Innovative Tech Show. There were talks, demonstrations, and discussions about how these technologies could be used to increase learning in their classes. Some of the activities included: The keynote talk on "Virtual Reality in Higher Education" with Digital Bodies Experiencing zSpace and Labster online materials Learning about 3D printing at the ASU MakerSpace Creating virtual fieldtrips For more information, photos, videos and the links shared, please take a minute to browse here: http://solsstemtechday.weebly.com/