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

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

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

4. ease transition Voluntary Flexible Targeted access topics
image from Britannica ImageQuest

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

6. Demonstration

7. 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”

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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.

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

12. 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”