Additional online support for fundamental science concepts makes a positive difference Dr Genevieve Morris Dr Santha James Dr Belinda Martinac School of Science

problems….. No science since Year 10 Intimidated by Science I can’t ‘do’ science science is hard Steep learning curve image from Britannica ImageQuest

problems….. Wide variety of students Courses Background Age Work Family commitments and children Very large unit (>1000 Melbourne alone) image from Britannica ImageQuest

ease transition Voluntary Flexible Targeted access topics image from Britannica ImageQuest

Biology and Chemistry targeted content varying media self-assess quizzes image from Britannica ImageQuest

Demonstration

Benefits? (2015 research) Ease of use Confidence building Own pace “clear and easy layout with numerous ways such as videos, text, external information and quizzes to refresh and learn the basic content before starting BIOL121”

Benefits? (2015 research) More than 1000 students nationally Strong up-take amongst older students Used by 84% of those aged > = 26 About 60% of those aged < 26 Significant difference in average exam results 58% if used both lessons 49% if used neither (p < 0.001)

All students who used Biology lesson benefited; p = 0.007 p = 0.32 All students who used Biology lesson benefited; but older students benefitted more

Limited Science background: great benefit. p = 0.002 p = 0.8 Limited Science background: great benefit. Those without Science background that did not utilise the Biology lesson had a fail average.

What next? Easily copied across units Easily updated yearly check links etc Easily edited: improve content adapt to new objectives/ units accommodate common weaknesses

Questions? “The biology and chemistry lessons were a huge help, being that i had not done any science subjects in over 10 years. They formed the basis for what we learnt throughout the semester. Without knowing the basics it would have been harder to grasp concepts, very grateful that these were available”