The major goal of this project is to use instructional technology to create and disseminate a new pedagogy for enhancing physiology education in a wide array of learning environments. The project will support implementation and evaluation of “Revolution in Physiology Education: RIPE for Change,” an NSF-funded project consisting of problem-based learning modules made available via an open-access website. NSF funds supported development of the RIPE concept, whereas the IITG funds will be used to adapt RIPE for dissemination and evaluation using instructional technology. The learning modules provide instructional tools for guiding students through active-learning exercises designed to develop higher-order thinking skills, improve mastery of difficult concepts and engage students in scientific methods. The highlights of the modules are state-of-the-art animations that illustrate important physiological concepts and high-quality videos of live experiments involving modern physiology instrumentation. The project relies heavily on student interns from graphic arts and biology and provides a platform for a unique type of experiential learning that blends art and science.

Outcomes TBD (August 2016)