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Alternatives Database
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Review
By Dr. Osvaldas Ruksenas, Assoc.Prof. in Human and animal physiology osvaldas.ruksenas@gf.vu.lt
Dept. Biochemistry-Biophysics, Vilnius University, Ciurlionio 21, LT-2009 Vilnius, Lithuania. Tel.: +3705 2398222; Fax: +3705 2398216 (commissioned by eurca)
Summary
The CD “Comparative anatomy” is a valuable resource enabling students to learn and compare anatomy of mammals, birds and fishes. This alternative will contribute to implementation of the 3R’s concept, since it can replace and reduce use of live animals. The “Comparative anatomy” is suitable for students in high school and undergraduate students at University (years 1 and 2) for both independent use and use in class as additional illustrating material. Text information is rather basic, visual material is based on histological preparations and quality of pictures is not always very high.
Comparison of the alternative resource with real animal model in the laboratory
Comparative anatomy is a valuable resource enabling students to learn and compare anatomy of mammals, birds and fishes, although in large part it’s based on histological level. From this perspective material can replace use of live animals in courses of Animal anatomy and Laboratory animal science. However, for veterinarians I think it can’t completely replace use of animals because they need practice in handling live animals. In this case virtual alternatives can only help but not substitute live animals. Anyhow this is good teaching resource substantially reducing number of live animals used for teaching.
Using the alternative resource
This resource does not require special installation, but it has no ‘autorun” function, and it is not clear how directly to start program (in my opinion it would help to rename file “index.html” to “start” or something like this). Navigation is quite clear, but text information on navigation buttons/arrows would be helpful. An alphabetical index in addition would make use of this resource much more easy and handy. One more suggestion- navigation would be easier if the current directory would be indicated on the menu page, i.e. after coming back from former level, the user could see where he was. Concerning movies- it would be much easier if software for watching movies would be possible to install from CD.
Text information is very basic, therefore before going through this material reader need to have preliminary knowledge. This material might be used as additional, supportive material to strengthen knowledge acquired during lecture course and in this respect students could use this material without teacher assistance.
Contribution of the alternative resource to the 3R’s
Obviously “Comparative anatomy” will contribute to implementation of the 3R’s concept, since it can replace and reduce use of live animals. Students can get basic knowledge of anatomy of mammals, birds and fish without dissecting animals. If they do dissect, this could be done much more correctly and efficiently after going through such a resource. By demonstrating how much information can be gained without using live animals (i.e. using alternative resource) awareness of students might be increased.
Applicability in teaching situation
The “Comparative anatomy” is suitable for students in high school and undergraduate students at University (years 1 and 2). The resource is suitable for both independent use and use in class as additional illustrating material. It can be easily integrated into an existing anatomy course.
Visual appearance
The resource is rather basic with respect to text information but attractive enough from visual point of view. Disadvantage is that the same layout – photo of real organ system /organ, drawing scheme, photo of histological preparation - is not followed up through the all systems reviewed. In general I think schematic presentation of topic discussed would help to understand material, because histological material alone is not always straightforward clear. Some pictures (like in “Anatomical terms, limbs”) are too small to be clear and there is no zoom function to change magnification. Surprisingly directory “joint in mss” is empty. Another surprise- different titles: on CD and CD box it’s “Comparative anatomy”, but “index page” claims this is “Comparative organology”. Going through systems different types of pointers – hands and arrows- are met, it’s detail but one type through all CD would be better. One more drawback- there is no text information in sections “Joints”, ”Sensory systems introduction” and “Sensory systems review”.
Service provided by supplier
Unfortunately, there is no contact information of supplier/producer on the disk and this prevents from any support. Moreover, this limits feedback from users and this way possibility for further improvement.
If you are an author or supplier of this alternative and you would like to write a response to this review please contact eurca with your reply.
Designed and produced for eurca by The Learning Technology Section, The University of Edinburgh. ©2001-2005 eurca