2021 journal article

A New Open-Source Web Application with Animations to Support Learning of Neuron-to-Neuron Signaling

AMERICAN BIOLOGY TEACHER, 83(9), 593–595.

By: C. LePrevost*, W. Cope, Y. Shen* & D. Wrights*

author keywords: pesticides; toxicology; cellular biology; neurobiology; neurons; cell signaling; nervous system; jigsaw technique; cooperative learning; web application; animations
TL;DR: The features of the Neuron-to-Neuron Normal and Toxic Actions web application are described, student feedback on the animations are reported, and a cooperative learning procedure for instructors to use the web application in online learning environments or in-person classroom settings with technology support is details. (via Semantic Scholar)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: December 20, 2021

Pesticides and their associated modes of action serve as real-world examples of chemical toxicity, stimulating student interest and supporting their understanding of nervous system function and cell signaling. An open-source web application called “Neuron-to-Neuron Normal and Toxic Actions” hosts narrated animations of pesticide toxic actions and exists as a resource for instructors of advanced secondary or undergraduate biology courses. This article describes the features of the web application, reports student feedback on the animations, and details a cooperative learning procedure for instructors to use the web application in online learning environments or in-person classroom settings with technology support.