The Society for Neuroscience recently funded the development of an open access online portal for housing neuroscience activities. The portal, named ERIN (Educational Resources in Neuroscience), allows free access to all activities (http://erin.sfn.org). Objectives of the present proposal are: 1) Investigate the utility of ERIN as an ancillary to primary classroom instruction in a variety of related courses (e.g. Biopsychology, Behavioral Pharmacology, Behavior Genetics). 2) Assess the effectiveness of ERIN in conveying concepts that underlie learning objectives of related courses. 3) Determine the feasibility of creating a distance learning or hybrid course using ERIN as the primary source for assignments.

Since 2009, SUNY Ulster’s Nursing Program teaches in Second Life. Through the Internet-based collaborative platform, students simulate responses to case scenarios in a virtual hospital, learning critical thinking skills. Moving forward with IITG, we will be working with SUNY nursing programs, sharing our Medical facility, developing virtual scenarios on the SLN Healthcare Island. At the close of Phase 1 pilot, we will empower campuses to design and implement additional case studies and also create an assessment to address progress, successes and challenges. A yearly summit for faculty, staff and students will spotlight the growing opportunities of the SLN Healthcare Island.

Awarded Grant: $14,960 Principal Investigator: Christopher Urban, SUNYIT The SUNY IITGrant will be used to develop and implement an online interactive prototype case study. The case study will consist of modules that simulate real-world situations and place the student in a decision-making role that requires the use of scientific data and knowledge. The prototype will facilitate learning theories and concepts related to energy and engineering. The student will make realistic real-time decisions concerning design and operation of a regional electrical grid. The expectation is to build on this prototype in the future to create additional case study modules that cover a range of topics and student levels. Co-PI’s and Key Partners: Glenn E. Van Knowe, Ph.D., MESO, Inc. Kenneth T. Waight, Ph. D., Sun Dog Science, LLC Reports and Resources: Presentation given at the 2013 CIT workshop on the interactive cases study project Project website Grid Operator Exercise About the Project Project outcomes report Creative Commons License:

This project will develop a template that can be used for supporting interdisciplinary ‘alternate reality’ simulations that are collectively played by students using the Web. These simulations ask participants to analyze a fictional problem based on real-life situations, articulate a variety of possible responses to it, and examine the question of what form action should take in the real world after the simulation. The exercise combines online interaction with face-to-face activities that support the learning process. The template and the simulation guide will be released under an open access license.