3 D LAB support system for biology
teaching/learning
Final Report
PROJECT NUMBER: 135624-LLP-1-2007-1-SI-KA3-KA3MP
Public Part
3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning
Project information
Project acronym:
Project title:
Project number:
Sub-programme or KA:
Project website:
Reporting period:
Report version:
Date of preparation:
3DbioLab
3 D LAB support system for biology
teaching/learning
135624-LLP-1-2007-1-SI-KA3-KA3MP
2007 – 3618 / 001 – 001
Key Activity 3: ICT
www.3dbiolab.net
01/12/2007
30/11/2009
1
27/01/2010
Beneficiary organisation:
Univerza v Ljubljani Pedagoška fakulteta
Kardeljeva ploščad 16
SI – 1000 Ljubljana
Project coordinator:
Project coordinator organisation:
Beno Stern
PRO – ECO d.o.o.
Cesta Andreja Bitenca 68
SI – 1000 Ljubljana
+386 (0)1 565 45 67
[email protected]
Project coordinator telephone number:
Project coordinator email address:
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission
cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained
therein.
© 2008 Copyright Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency.
The document may be freely copied and distributed provided that no modifications are made, that the
source is acknowledged and that this copyright notice is included.
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3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning
Executive Summary
On 30th of November 2009 partnership of eleven partners from Greece, Austria and
Slovenia completed the project called “3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning”
or in short 3DbioLab project.
3DbioLab focused on the development of e-learning courses for one human organ - the
eye and one human system - the brain for all levels of education – primary, secondary and
tertiary level. It was primarily intended for biology teachers to involve the advantages of ICT
into their teaching, for pupils and students to use ICT based learning material and methods
in biology classes and for small and medium sized enterprises that develop different
materials for e-learning and blended learning.
E-learning with 2D and 3D animation was proven to be particularly productive in terms of
cognitive activity of pupils and students. Within e-learning courses we thus tried to create a
learning aid with the emphasis on 2D and 3D simulations accompanied by spiral
construction, interactive elements, and synchronisation of modules, visualisation, brief
accompanying text and simple navigation through the programme. Educational partners
prepared four story books in three different languages with more than 150 pages per
language. Two companies were responsible for the development and implementation of elearning courses. Main result of the project were thus 3DbioLab e-learning courses
covering the eye and the brain at all level of education with 2D and 3D simulations
which can be found on www.3dbiolab.net/courses and are approachable free of charge
to all interested parties (open source solution Moodle) in four EU languages – German,
Greek, Slovene and English.
To reach the aim or develop the result we had to make the identification and analysis of
current situation first in all three participating countries. We identified various approaches to
education using ICT, analysed the content suitable for 3D simulations and finally analysed
common points of teaching biology in national curricula on primary, secondary and tertiary
level of education. Following the identification of current situation and decision approved by
all eleven partners to develop e-learning courses for one human organ (the eye) and one
human system (the brain), we developed the concepts of new solutions for education:
The concept for e-learning portal implementation in schools, The concept for 3D simulation
implementation in biology classes and lectures, The concept for harmonisation of 3D elearning with the official curricula of schools, The concept for training teachers, tutors,
mentors in e-learning and e-portal and their implementation and The concept of 3D elearning implementation among pupils and students. Based on the models developed from
the concepts we developed and implemented e-learning courses which were tested on
more than 330 pupils and students in Slovenia, Greece and Austria. The evaluation
report of pilot testing shows students’ and pupils’ high satisfaction with e-learning courses,
topic selected and 3D material. Students appreciate the possibilities given by 3D simulations,
helping them with better visualisation of the phenomena and enabling them more flexible
learning. Teachers estimate the quality of the developed material being high enough to
include the material in their ever day teaching process.
During the projects’ lifetime the project 3DbioLab was presented at 22 international
events to more than 20 000 participants / visitors in Slovenia, Austria and Greece and
each partner published one article in target group appropriate educational magazine.
Furthermore, in June 2009 our partnership received Comenius-EduMedia-Seal of
Approval which is given to works in the field of ICT-supported educational media which
correspond to the standards of didactical multimedia products.
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3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning
In the future work the emphasis will be given on continuously using the e-learning
courses in biology classes and lectures in schools where pilot testing was carried out and
on the exploitation activities, specially aiming at the target group of students and
teachers to whom e-learning material is intended and is currently not a part of curriculum.
Moreover, the partnership wishes to participate together in another life long learning project
in 2010.
Presented report is aimed at Educational, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency.
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3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning
Table of Contents
1.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES.................................................................................... 6
2.
PROJECT APPROACH ...................................................................................... 9
3.
PROJECT OUTCOMES & RESULTS............................................................... 12
4.
PARTNERSHIPS .............................................................................................. 15
5.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE .............................................................................. 17
6.
CONTRIBUTION TO EU POLICIES ................................................................. 18
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1.
Project Objectives
The project “3 D LAB support systems for biology teaching/learning” (hereinafter 3DbioLab)
aimed to contribute to the improved understanding of the benefits and the impact of
computer simulations on the efficiency of learning/teaching biology and other science
subjects, to provide teachers and principles a tool necessary for the efficient implementation
of computer based simulations and e-portal in their teaching process and consequently to
foster the uptake of these simulations in their teaching practices and raise the effectiveness
and attractiveness of biology teaching. The latter can also stimulate scientific curiosity and
interest in young minds and encourage more young people to pursue a life in science to fulfil
the growing shortage of research talent in Europe. More specifically, by analysing the various
existing projects and good practices of using computer simulations in teaching science
subjects within and outside the EU, developing a new model for successful
implementation of e-learning courses and 2D and 3D computer simulations in
teaching/learning biology on all educational levels and developing new innovative and
quality 2D and 3D simulations for biology teaching/learning and testing and evaluating
their impact on the learning outcomes of pupils and students, the specific objectives of
3DbioLab project were:
to integrate existing best practices and project outcomes and recommendations into
the design and development of high-quality 2D and 3D simulations and e-learning
courses for teaching/learning biology;
to develop and test a new practice of coordination for the development of new
innovative curriculum materials, namely computer simulations, which is based on
the cooperation between teachers across different European countries and different
levels of education;
to design a model for successful implementation of 2D and 3D e-learning material
and developed e-learning courses for teaching biology on different educational levels
– primary, secondary and tertiary level;
to test and evaluate the impact of new teaching methods on the students’ learning
outcomes in different member states and on different educational levels;
to enhance networking between biology teachers and professors from different
educational levels and different European countries;
to disseminate the project results to other European countries and their schools
and exploit the potential of project outcomes for further development and
commercialization and consequently establish sustainability of the project results
beyond EU funding period.
We can proudly say that all above mentioned objectives were fully accomplished. Results of
pilot testing show great satisfaction of end users with e-learning materials. Students and
pupils were highly motivated in exploring e-material. Especially 3D presentations and
animations attracted their attention. 3D software helped pupils to get a better visualization
and understanding of the way the eye works. The curiosity and the interest to do the
experiments of the e-learning programme were very high. The individual working speed was
important for the pupils to increase their knowledge about the eye. Students were also very
satisfied with the simplicity in using e-materials and their usefulness in learning and teaching.
High number of students is also convinced that e-materials accelerate learning and that
learning by using e-material is more effective. They would like to have more learning material
like this, especially other organs presented in similar way. E-learning courses allow them to
work more independently and are thus more flexible.
Teacher trainings gave us similar results. They were very interested in exploring e-material
and their wish before the training was that the material would be of appropriate quality for
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3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning
teaching. Teachers from all three countries included in the project felled that their school
system was relatively ready to use more ICT technologies in teaching. There was however a
significant number of teachers/professors who didn’t feel completely confident about using
technology in their pedagogical process. After they got familiar with the e-learning course,
they were content with the selection of the topics for the course, they stated that the training
material is relevant and useful and it is adapted to the curriculum. Also other expectations
were generally met; therefore the teachers stated that the e-learning material is suitable and
should be included in the teaching process. As to the most valuable topics the majority stated
that all topics were valuable, since there is difficult to find comprehensible animations and
demonstrations of human anatomy. They especially mentioned 3D animations of the eye. For
those less confident in their computer abilities, such material can help them overcome their
lacking self-confidence.
All of the above contributed to the fulfilment of the objectives of the Lifelong learning
Programme, especially to the:
development of quality lifelong learning and promotion of high performance,
innovation and a European dimension in systems and practices in the field;
development of innovative ICT-based content, services, pedagogies and
practice for lifelong learning.
Project aimed at developing e-learning courses for teaching and learning biology in the
context of learning about the eye with connection to the brains. E-learning courses help
students to learn about the eye and the brain separately at lower und upper primary,
secondary and tertiary level. For the adjustment to different levels of education and
consequently to different levels of knowledge also 2D simulations were developed. Both 2D
and 3D simulations are supported with the subject matter.
An example of a part of e-learning course can be seen in the following picture:
3DbioLab project is primarily intended for:
biology teachers to involve the advantages of ICT while teaching biology;
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pupils and students to use ICT based learning material and methods in biology
classes;
small and medium sized enterprises that develop different materials for e-learning
and blended learning.
All three target groups were directly involved in the project. 22 biology teachers from all
three educational levels from Slovenia, Austria and Greece were participating in the project.
Together with school principals and other educational staff they were involved in the
development of new educational method. They prepared all the needed materials (analysis,
concepts, models and story books) for SMEs who than developed and implemented the elearning courses for biology teaching and learning. Students were directly involved in the
pilot realization and education, during which we tested more than 330 pupils and students,
using e-learning materials and 2D and 3D simulations.
3DbioLab project has short and long term impact and benefits for the target groups.
Professors as well as teachers at all three educational levels participated in the adjustment of
contents for the application of 2D and 3D simulations, and in the development of 3D
simulations. In addition, companies also participated in the development of simulations,
which was one of the advantages of this project. More than 330 pupils and students from
three countries were included in the pilot phase, thus providing a very good basis for
ensuring relevance of data obtained during education of this target group. Within
dissemination activities more than 600 schools in all three countries were invited to take part
in the project. They had the opportunity to give the feedback to the developed e-learning
courses.
E-learning courses are now approachable free of charge to all interested parties (open
source solution Moodle) at www.3dbiolab.net/courses in English, German, Greek and
Slovene language.
Currently, after the funding period, we are using e-learning courses within our biology
classes and lectures in all three countries and we are also encouraging other schools to use
the materials in the same way. The project’s partnership is also intensively working on
another project proposal within which we would like to continue with our work.
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2.
Project Approach
3DbioLab project built on similarities between education programmes horizontally and
vertically. Teachers and professors at all education levels participated in the development of
new education models for the application of simulations in the field of biology
teaching/learning about the eye in connection with the brain. While the partnership consisted
of schools from all educational levels, partners from each level worked hand in hand in
cooperation with other partners.
Methodological / didactic approaches on which the products are based are:
a Curriculum and a concept, tailor-made for the users of education services and
potential users (target group);
practical applicability: balance between theory and praxis;
clear structure of written teaching and learning material (simple, understandable
language) and e-learning contents (3D simulations with the support of 2D
simulations);
ensuring potential cooperation of every individual and flexible learning hours (learning
outside education institutions);
promoting the usage of new information and communication technologies;
taking into account the principle of research process approach;
the principle of equal opportunities and respect of differences between children and
the principle of multiculturalism.
Evaluation strategy
The evaluation of the process was based on specific objectives which were determined by
project partner IDEC from Greece in cooperation with other project partners. The objectives
of the evaluation were:
to evaluate the coherence of the project against the project proposal;
to evaluate the effectiveness of transnational cooperation;
to ensure the quality of the project outcomes, through a controlled evaluation and
quality improvement procedure;
to evaluate the impact of the final project outcomes on the identified target groups.
According to the above described objectives the evaluation followed four axes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
coherence of project with project proposal
transnational cooperation
quality of products
impact on learning
The evaluation of 3DbioLab project was effectuated in three levels following the four
mentioned axes. The three different levels are:
1.
2.
3.
evaluation by project partners
evaluation by appointed evaluator (IDEC)
evaluation by 3DbioLab’s Users Network and the trainees of pilot testing
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The main outputs of the project evaluation were prepared within interim report which was
already prepared for the purpose of continuation of partnership work and for the purpose of
progress report. A final evaluation report was prepared when the project ended. Both
evaluation reports have the following structure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Introduction
Evaluation objectives
Evaluation methodology
Evaluation tools
Evaluation of products
Evaluation of transnational cooperation
Recommendations
Final evaluation report showed the following:
Partners’ evaluation of specific aspects such as transnational meetings, efficiency of
coordinating team, partnership development, respect of work packages and workplan,
obstacles difficulties and tools are quite positive and they mirror a generally good and
productive climate.
The general assessment on the quality of the project management is positive.
Collective working meetings were frequent enough and were satisfactory.
Coordination among partners was very efficient, the coordinating team showed all the
necessary administrative and technical skills.
The difference between interim and final evaluation shows that the project in its first
year had some problems and misused some of its resources and the outcome was
delay in completion of some work packages. As the project progressed all the project
resources were utilised at their maximum level so these delays were limited and
therefore did not affect the final outcomes.
The products delivered are of a very high quality and the partnership has reached a
very satisfactory level of common understanding.
The courses cover all the aspects of the biology of the eye and the brain and the 3D
simulations make the e-learning appealing and very easy to learn.
The results from both the teacher training and the pilot testing were more than
satisfactory. Teachers and students embraced the use of 3D technology in learning
and everybody clearly stated that it is very helpful and that it facilitates the process of
teaching and learning.
The transnational cooperation has reached a very good level, the partnership
developed strong bonds and is willing to work together again on another project.
Dissemination activities and strategy
Dissemination strategy of 3DbioLab project was to spread the information on the project to
all interested parties permanently throughout whole duration of the project and thus grow
awareness on e-learning in education and enhance curiosity of the target groups to use our
open source solution. Dissemination helped us to contribute to the promotion of new effective
innovative pedagogies and practice in teaching science, namely using computer simulations
in teaching biology, and in this way raise the quality of science teaching/learning in Europe.
Main dissemination activities were:
designing the project logo which was used in all project documents, web page and elearning courses;
establishment and continuing upgrading of project web page (we had more than
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15.700 visits within 2 years);
setting up of e-portal for communication between partners on the web page (each
partner and EACEA has the possibility to look at or download all relevant 3DbioLab
project materials);
preparation of promotional materials (we distributed 2000 leaflets and 2000 CDs in
Slovenia, Austria and Greece);
spreading information about the project throughout presentation of 3DbioLab project
activities and results and publishing the articles (we presented the project at 22
events in Slovenia, Austria and Greece. We reached more than 20 000 interested
people. We also published 9 articles in relevant educational magazines and other
publications intended for wider public).
In April 2009 we applied for Comenius EduMedia Awards. Partnership gained the Seal of
Approval in the category of Multiple Products. Multimedia products were evaluated on the
basis of qualitative criteria by the IB&M of the GPI. 3DbioLab corresponds to the catalogue of
criteria and was therefore awarded with the Comenius-Seal of Approval. Ceremony took
place in Berlin on 19th of June 2009.
Exploitation activities and strategy
3DbioLab has been declared as an open-source-project; therefore it was essential to make
the material and the result data available as widely as possible.
With an aim to convince stakeholders to apply the results of the project, primarily the
materials were exploited to the decision makers at local, regional and national level within
meetings carried out in all participating country. 3DbioLab project was within those meetings
presented to many stakeholders (employed at Ministries for Education, National Education
Institutes, and Centres for Vocational Trainings etc.) who welcomed the project and promised
to integrate its results into their learning portals and to recommend it to educational
institutions.
The materials and the results were also exploited as follows:
Free download (www.3dbiolab.net/courses)
Give- aways at conferences and trade shows such as:
didacta
Interpädagogica
Bildungonline
CeBIT
Learntec
SirIKT
Subject conferences/ teacher trainings
The aim of exploiting the outcome of 3DbioLab project was to provide the target groups with
useful material for their every-day-work. It was essential to adapt the products to the special
needs of the individual target groups; while teachers and schools focused on the pedagogical
background and the practical applicability, publishers considered layout and the market
value. For the providers of educational web pages the attractiveness for the users was the
most important aspect. The simulations are therefore straightforward to use and instructions
needed are clear. All these different requirements were taken under consideration in order to
exploit the material developed in 3DbioLab project.
Both dissemination and exploitation contribute to the promotion of innovative teaching
methodologies and increase the attractiveness and effectiveness of science teaching
in Europe.
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3.
Project Outcomes & Results
From 1st of December 2007 till 30th of November 2009 the partnership of 3DbioLab project
carried out all the activities planned within project proposal and thus achieved all results
planned for the project life cycle.
With an aim to ensure sound and effective project management several outcomes were
carried out:
Project management plan with one corrigendum;
4 transnational meetings and meeting minutes, 10 flash meetings and meeting
minutes and 1 Slovenian partners meeting and meeting minutes;
4 intermediate reports per project partner.
To identify and analyse the current situation with an aim to integrate existing best
practices and recommendations into the design and development of 3D simulations and elearning courses we carried out:
Analysis of the existing ICT educational approaches at all educational levels in all
three participating countries in the field of biology;
Analysis of contents suitable for 3D simulation implementation at all educational
levels in all three participating countries in the field of biology;
Analysis of common points of teaching biology at all educational levels in all three
participating countries in the field of biology.
To design a model for successful implementation of 3D e-learning material and to
develop e-learning courses for teaching and learning biology on different educational levels
we prepared:
The concept for e-learning portal1 implementation in schools;
The concept for 3D simulation implementation in biology classes and lectures;
The concept for harmonisation of 3D e-learning with the official curricula of schools;
Concept for training teachers, tutors, mentors in e-learning and e-portal and their
implementation;
The concept of 3D e-learning implementation among pupils and students.
With an aim to develop new solutions for education we prepared:
Model for e-learning portal implementation in schools;
Model for 3D e-learning implementation in schools;
Model for education and training of teachers, tutors, mentors in e-learning portal
usage;
Model for 3D e-learning implementation among teachers;
Model for 3D e-learning implementation among pupils and students;
3D simulations for biology classes and lectures – anatomy;
Portal as a support for education of pupils and students;
1
While within the project proposal the word mostly used was E-LEARNING PORTAL, we left the same terminology for
deliverables but otherwise we used more appropriate word E-LEARNING COURSES.
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Storybook for lower level primary school in English, German, Greek and Slovene
language;
Storybook for higher level primary school in English, German, Greek and Slovene
language;
Storybook for secondary level in English, German, Greek and Slovene language;
Storybook for tertiary level in English, German, Greek and Slovene language.
After the realization of all the necessary background documents we developed and
implemented 3DbioLab e-learning courses for one human organ (the eye) and one
human system (the brain) for primary, secondary and tertiary level of education in
English, German, Greek and Slovene language approachable free of charge at
www.3DbioLab.net/courses.
With the key result (3DbioLab e-learning courses) we were able to carry out pilot realization
of education where we:
prepared evaluation questionnaire (for students),
prepared preliminary evaluation questionnaire (for teachers – professors);
prepared evaluation questionnaire for pilot testing (for teachers – professors);
organized and implemented pilot education and training of 38 teachers, trainers and
professors in all three participating countries;
organized and implemented pilot education and training of 38 teachers, trainers and
professors in 3D e-content usage;
organized pilot 3D e-contents implementation among more than 330 pupils and
students;
carried out pilot phase evaluation and prepared the final evaluation report on pilot
testing.
Pilot testing evaluation report showed great satisfaction of end users with e-learning
materials. 3D presentations and animations attracted students’ attention, thus helping them
to get better visualization and understanding of the way the eye works. Students were very
satisfied with the simplicity in using e-materials and their usefulness in learning and teaching.
They would like to have more learning material like this, especially other organs presented in
similar way. E-learning courses allow them to work more independently and are thus more
flexible.
Teacher trainings gave us similar results. They were content with the selection of the topics
for the course, they felled the training material is relevant and useful and it is adapted to the
curriculum and thus suitable to use for teaching. For those less confident in their computer
abilities, such material could help them overcome their lacking self-confidence.
With an aim to disseminate the project results to other European countries and their
schools and exploit the potential of project outcomes for further development and
commercialization and therefore to enhance sustainability of the project we prepared:
Dissemination plan which was fully realised;
Graphical design and layout;
3DbioLab web portal www.3DbioLab.net which was also supported by intranet and
where all project partners could find all necessary documents when needed;
2000 leaflets and 2000 CDs which were distributed in all three participating countries
at international conferences and at other public events where our target groups
participated;
Presentation of the project at 22 regional, national and international events in Austria,
Greece and Slovenia;
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Publication of 9 articles in relevant educational magazines and magazines intended
for wider public in Austria, Greece and Slovenia;
Application for Comenius EduMedia Awards which resulted in receiving a Seal of
Approval in Berlin 2009;
Exploitation plan;
Several meetings in all participating countries with decision makers at local, regional
and national level.
To ensure coherence, quality and effectiveness of project results 4 documents were
prepared:
Evaluation framework;
Evaluation criteria;
Mid-term evaluation report;
Final evaluation report.
Final evaluation report showed the project was terminated successfully. The project was well
managed and despite of some misunderstandings in the distribution of roles at the beginning
of the project, which lead to some delays in the workplan, the partnership overcame these
difficulties during the first year and carried out all activities set up in the project proposal and
delivered all the necessary outcomes. At the end of the project we can say that the products
delivered are of a very high quality and the partnership has reached a very satisfactory level
of common understanding. The developed learning material was judged by other teachers
and students through pilot testing, and they both expressed high satisfaction with the elearning course. The transnational cooperation has produced a very productive climate, the
partnership developed strong bonds and is willing to work together again on another project
For more information on the project results and outcomes please go to www.3dbiolab.net
where you can find all relevant information about the project and contact information of all 11
partners.
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4.
Partnerships
Partnership of 3DbioLab project consisted of eleven partners coming from three different EU
states - Slovenia, Austria and Greece and could be divided into two groups: educational
partners and companies. While educational partners covered all three educational levels
(primary, secondary and tertiary level of education), companies were competent to develop
new educational solutions and to evaluate the project progress. The partnership together
increased the pool of experiences, skills and resources available to ensure the fulfilment of
partnerships’ objectives.
Added value of such partnership was:
cooperation of schools coming from all educational levels;
cooperation of schools and companies;
involvement, participation and cooperation of educational partners in 2D and 3D
development under the responsibility of companies;
new practical experiences and knowledge for educational partners by using Moodle,
a free open source course management system;
gaining new educational approaches by teaching biology in different countries on
different educational levels;
transfers of good practices, pedagogical and didactical methods and technology tools
(teachers to teachers, teachers to companies and companies to teachers);
integration of ICT solutions in three different countries in 4 different languages.
Furthermore, added value of the multi-country partnership is also significant:
English language improvement;
getting to know new cultures, cities and people;
new acquaintances (biology teachers and SMEs from three different countries).
After the end of project implementation final evaluation report shows that transnational
cooperation has reached a very good level. After the first 6 months there was a good
common understanding of aims, tasks and responsibilities and very good relations between
partners. The coordination among partners was running smoothly and the consortium
managed to create a positive and effective climate. Partners value highly the international
collaboration and the possibility of exchange of experiences and methods of learning given
by the project. The partnership developed strong bonds and is willing to work together again
on another project.
Statements given by some partners at the end of the project:
“The beginning was challenging, I gained new experiences.”
Dušan Krnel, Faculty of education Ljubljana, Slovenia
“I was pushed into the cold water, but the result is good.”
Barbara Bajd, Faculty of education Ljubljana, Slovenia
“We found our place in the project, we gained more than we expected, we are not only
testing e-courses, we also developed contents – it was hard.”
Suzana Geršak, Primary School France Prešeren, Slovenia
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“We are very pleased with the project.”
Vasiliki Hatzi, National School of Public Health, Greece
“We knew our role in the project, the results are good, they are a good example of simulation
and animations, we can be proud of them.”
Martin Krippner, Bitmedia, Austria
“I enjoyed in the project, gained new experience with technical stuff, a great experience,
good cooperation.”
Michaela Huetl, VS Riedersbach, Austria
“It was difficult at the beginning, not only testing; we were also planned for development.
Project team was very harmonising, but more meetings for closer cooperation were needed
(expert-technical). Project was good.”
Michaela Fischer, BFI, Austria
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5.
Plans for the Future
In the future work the emphasis will be given on exploitation activities which will ensure the
sustainability of the project’s outcomes.
We will:
permanently use the 3DbioLab e-learning courses in biology classes and lectures in
following school years at primary, secondary and tertiary level in all nine participating
educational partners;
encourage all other schools, especially those which were contacted within
dissemination activities, to use the e-learning courses at biology classes and lectures;
present the e-learning courses when ever possible to target group of teachers,
professors, students, pupils and small and medium sized enterprises (e.g. days of the
principles, e-learning events and conferences);
leave the developed material as an open source material, meaning it will stay
approachable to all interested public free of charge
present the project in the future projects as a reference
upgrade the implemented e-learning material with new subject within another project
proposal;
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3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning
6.
Contribution to EU policies
The project addressed the EU policy recommendations and goals in the area of education
and training, especially regarding eLearning and promotion of science and technology study
programmes. More specifically it contributed to addressing the issues and recommendations
on the European level stated in the following EU documents and reports:
1. Council Resolution of 13 July 2001 on e-learning
http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/elearning/reso_en.pdf
(2001/C
204/02)
In this Resolution the Council of the European Union endorsed the e-Learning initiative and
the importance of ICT for education and training, encouraging the Member states:
ƒ
»To continue their efforts concerning effective integration of ICT in education
and training systems, as an important part of the adoption of the education and
training systems«.
The project contributed to effective integration of computer simulations in teaching biology on
all educational levels. The addressed ICT-based method is currently still used by only a very
small percentage of teachers.
ƒ
“To motivate teachers and trainers to make the best pedagogical use of ICT in
their own teaching”
The project contributed to the improved understanding and evidence base of the benefits and
impact of computer simulations on the efficiency of learning/teaching biology and other
science subjects, provide teachers and principles a tool necessary for the efficient
implementation of computer based simulations and e-portals in their teaching process and
consequently motivate teachers to use these simulations in their teaching practices and raise
the effectiveness and attractiveness of biology teaching.
ƒ
“To encourage the development of high-quality digital teaching and learning
materials”
Cooperation between teachers on different education levels, including professors from
teacher education universities and ICT experts who develop e-learning materials and
courses, contributed to a better understanding of the needs of end-users of these ICT-based
materials, which encouraged the development of high-quality digital teaching and learning
materials. One of the outcomes of the project were also high-quality 2D and 3D computer
simulations for biology teaching, which are based on past projects and good practices and
the concrete needs of end-users.
ƒ
“To enhance research on e-learning, in particular on how to improve learning
performance through ICT, pedagogical development, implications of ICT-based
teaching and learning and to stimulate international cooperation in this
regard;”
Within the project the developed models and materials were tested and evaluated in the pilot
phase. The results show how the proposed ICT-based method can improve learning
performance of students. The pilot phase was executed in three European countries; thus
the project also stimulates international cooperation in this regard.
ƒ
“To promote partnership between public and private sectors as a contribution
to the development of e-learning…”
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3 D LAB support system for biology teaching/learning
The project stimulated cooperation between ICT experts from SME’s and the partner schools
and faculties involved. These public and private institutions worked closely together in all
stages of the project and contributed to the development of high-quality methods and
materials for learning/teaching biology which is in tune with the needs of the end-users.
ƒ
“To intensify, in the framework of Community programmes, research,
experimentation and evaluation on pedagogical, socioeconomic and technical
dimensions of new ICT-mediated approaches, and on their adoption to users’
needs; to actively disseminate the results of this research with a view to
facilitating its transfer to the education and training systems and to
professional publishers and providers.”
2. Presidency
Conclusions,
Stockholm
23/24
http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/elearning/reso_en.pdf
ƒ
March
2001,
Paragraph 10: Improving basic skills, particularly IT and digital skills, is a top
priority to make the Union the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based
economy in the world«.
The project contributed to the improvement of IT and digital skills of the teachers and
students.
3. Interim recommendation to authorities responsible for education by working
group D »Mathematics, Science and Technology« of the DG for Education and
Culture (November 2003)
ƒ
»More effective and attractive teaching methods should be introduced in
mathematics, scientific and technical disciplines at primary and secondary
level, in particular by linking learning to real life experiences, …”
3D simulations in teaching science have shown to be an important alternative tool which
enables pupils and students to perform more practical work, resulting in better visualization
and understanding of different biological phenomena. The latter significantly contributed to
raising interest of pupils in natural sciences and spark scientific curiosity in young minds. The
evaluation of pilot testing among students and pupils showed the developed learning material
with its 2D and especially 3D simulations contributed to a better understanding of the
biological phenomena of the eye as well as given the students more flexibility in their
learning.
The executive summary of the project and Public part of the project are published on
the 3DbioLab project web site (www.3dbiolab.net).
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