3DBIOLAB

In 3DBIOLAB project the consortium of 11 partners was developing 2D and 3D simulations for biology teaching and learning. The project focused on the development of e-learning courses for one human organ - the eye and one human system - the brain.

E-learning courses which are approachable free of charge to all interested parties (Moodle) are primarily intended for biology teachers and their students who will benefit from the ICT based learning material the most.

What did we do:

• we integrated 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;
• we developed and tested a new practice of coordination for the development of new innovative curriculum materials;
• we designed a model for the successful implementation of 2D and 3D e-learning material and the developed e-learning courses for teaching biology on primary, secondary and tertiary level;
• we tested and evaluated the impact of new teaching methods on the students learning outcomes in different member states and on different educational levels;
• we enhanced networking between biology teachers and professors from different educational levels and different European countries.

 

Who is 3DbioLab project intended for:

• biology teachers for teaching biology and embrace the advantages of ICT;
• students at all levels of education to use ICT based learning material and methods in biology classes;
• small and medium sized enterprises who develop materials for e-learning and blended learning.

 

Why 2D and 3D simulations:

It is hard to get to know the parts of each organ and its function just by studying the written study book with some pictures added.

Now, imagine that a virtual presentation of the whole human body would appear in 3D environment. After a while our attention focuses on just one organ. The best way to learn how this particular organ functions is to follow different scenarios in its every day life. By doing that we get to know organ's complex responses to the inner or outer impulse. Without even knowing the name of each part of the organ we have already understood the processes that determine its functioning.

Encouraged by the acquired knowledge we will further on use the simulation to test our different predictions about how the organ would react in different situations.

Are we able to take into account the complexity of every organ, organ system and body as a whole and to predict every single response? This is where 3D simulation introduces us with current problems in the field of anatomy research and encourages us to search for some new answers.

3DBIOLAB project promotes an active learning approach to learning biology. The active learning approach significantly increases interest in and understanding of natural phenomena and processes. 3D computer simulations of biology object and processes can bridge the gap between theory and practical experience, resulting in better visualisation and understanding of different science phenomena.

Despite the recognised positive outcomes of using computer simulations in teaching and learning science, teachers’ motivation is a crucial factor in implementing these kinds of innovative ICT content.

3DBIOLAB project focused on the development of new 3D learning content in the field of biology and on increasing teachers' motivation to use e-learning contents in learning process.

E-learning contents are used by pupils and teachers in primary and secondary school and students and professors at the faculties of biology and education.