| Review: |
Overview:-
An Electronic Companion to Beginning Microbiology (ECBM) was developed by
three highly respected American microbiology researchers and educators and
has been specifically designed as a study guide to complement most
introductory microbiology courses irrespective of the teaching strategy
used or the textbook recommended. The software package consists of a CD-ROM
with multimedia coverage of key concepts in both review and self-test modes
together with a hardcopy workbook providing topic summaries, exercises,
questions and answers for interactive study. Subject areas covered include:
Microbiological methods, Microbial anatomy, growth and metabolism,
Genetics, Microbial classification, Microbial diversity, Host defenses,
Microbial diseases, Microbial pathogenesis, Disease control, Microbial
ecology and Uses of microorganisms. Technical support is available. ECBM is
distributed in Australia by Oxford University Press.
Facilities and capabilities of the package:-
Single CD-ROM attractively packaged with a 324-page black-and-white printed
workbook divided into 17 topics. The workbook consists of questions and
answers arranged in a sequence similar to that of the CD-ROM topics. Each
workbook topic also includes a self-assessment section with short
answer/essay-type questions. A set of workbook answers is included as is a
12-page glossary. The workbook is predominantly text-based, but includes
relevant annotated diagrams, graphs and tables.
Recommended system requirements for the software are: IBM PC compatibles
running MS-Windows 3.1 or higher with a 486 processor or higher and 8 or
more MB RAM. Macintosh LC475 or other model with a 040 processor or higher
running System 7.1 or later, with 8 or more MB RAM.
Clear, easy-to-follow installation instructions are given on the frontleaf
of the package; installation takes only a few minutes including
semi-automatic installation of Apple Computer QuickTime for Windows 2.1.2.
For this review, ECBM was run under Windows 3.1 by using a 486-DX2 50Mhz PC
and 8MB RAM. It was also tested under Windows NT4.0 using a Pentium Pro200
with 32MB RAM. The software performed well on both systems with an expected
enhanced speed and multimedia capability on the latter system.
The program begins by offering two options: Resume and New Session. The
latter option launches the main screen of ECBM which has a cardfile-like
interface consisting of three categories or "tabs": Welcome, Review Topics
and Test Yourself. The Welcome page has action buttons enabling the user to
access: Main Menu topics, Software instructions, Diagram lists and so on.
An Options button on the Navigation bar provides useful facilities such as:
Search, Bookmarks, Notes, Help and Print Screen.
Review screens present concise summaries of key concepts employing
animation, interactive diagrams, video clips, photographs, and/or
interactive worked examples. Review screens are organised by Topic, Section
and Sub-section. Hyperlinks (red) and glossary terms (blue) are
colour-coded for ease of access. User notes can be saved electronically or
printed.
Facilities for self-testing on single or multiple topics/sections are
available. Each new test presents questions in random order. The program
automatically compiles scores to measure progress. Testing allows for drag
and drop, multiple-choice and user input. In the latter case, three
incorrect choices are allowed then the correct answer is revealed. Hints
are available on-screen. Detailed (% correct, no. questions skipped and so
on) results of scoring are provided.
Ease of use:-
The program is easy to install and intuitive in its operation. However,
extensive on-screen help is available at all levels. The developers
assertion that, "We want you to be thinking and learning about Beginning
Microbiology, not about how to operate the Companion, so we've done our
best to make it easy to use", is fully justified.
Suitability for use in teaching:-
ECBM is well suited for any student majoring in microbiology at university
level to allow for self-paced instruction and interactive learning at the
introductory level. Due to its multimedia-based and interactive
teaching/learning style, advanced students may find the package a useful
tool to refresh their knowledge of fundamental concepts. Similarly,
non-majors in microbiology (e.g., nursing and related public health
students) may find ECBM useful to gain a better understanding of some
relevant topics at the introductory level. It is important to emphasize
that ECBM is a teaching/learning aid and should not be viewed as a
replacement for a good microbiology textbook. Information contained in the
package is scientifically accurate and up-to-date.
Overall evaluation:-
ECBM is a well designed teaching/learning aid for introductory
microbiology. Its coverage of fundamental microbiological concepts in
keynote form is excellent and its use of dynamic multimedia styling to
enhance the learning process is very impressive.
Positive features include: Easy to install and navigate; Users can create
their own study path by setting bookmarks ("You can toggle in and out of
the content at many different points, putting you in control of both the
order and depth of study"); Excellent use of diagrams, photographs and
animations; Hypertext links are fast and useful; User notes can be made
directly into Windows Notepad; Software automatically saves work in
progress, bookmarks and notes on exit; Any screen, user notes or diagram
can be printed.
Features needing attention: Font size, colour and style at times
(particularily with illustrations) makes reading difficult, especially with
the current wallpaper (very noticeable when tested on the Pentium Pro
system); Search capability limited to key words; No keyboard control
available in this version; Window frame size varies depending on system
used (smaller window has the advantage that user notes in Notepad can be
tiled effectively together on-screen); Quality of printed screen notes
varies greatly depending on system used; A few video animations were of
poor quality irrespective of the system used.
Overall, the ECBM study guide would be a valuable teaching/learning aid and
this reviewer would recommend its inclusion in any introductory
tertiary-level microbiology course.
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