Reference #: CHA-1017-690594
Submit Date: 04/01/2002 13:21:06-0500

Environmental Photobiology in the Digital Photobiology Compendium

ABSTRACT:
Many of the modules in the Digital Photobiology Compendium focus on easily defined light phenomena: photosynthesis, vision, etc. Environmental photobiology has fuzzier boundaries as it encompasses the fields of photobiology, organismal physiology, and ecology. In this introductory module, students discover answers to questions such as:

•What happens when plants are exposed to too much, or too little, light?
• How does light induce phenomena such as dormancy and flowering?
• How does the aquatic light environment differ from terrestrial systems?
• How do other environmental factors interact with light?

The field of environmental photobiology continues to grow and develop as we become more aware of the interactions among individual organisms, their light environment, and other abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems. Of increased interest is studying the response of organisms or communities to multiple environmental stresses; the effects of temperature, water, nutrients, insects, and disease upon organisms can affect, or be affected by, the light environment. Advanced modules are currently under development for environmental photobiology, including a detailed discussion of UV-photobiology and chemistry of ozone depletion. [Supported by the Photobiology Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education (FIPSE). These contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.]

Keywords: digital , photobiology, compendium, environmental

Reference #: VAL-1016-656661
Submit Date: 03/20/2002 14:19:12-0500

Interactivity Designed into the Learning Modules of the Digital Photobiology Compendium

ABSTRACT:
Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education was first published in 1987 and these principles have since become a model for educational practice in a variety of settings, not just undergraduate education (Chickering and Gamson, AAHE Bull., 1987). The first three of these principles deal with making the learner an active participant in the educational process. Specifically, they encourage contact between students and faculty, contact among students and the use of active learning techniques. These principles are being incorporated into the learning modules of the Digital Photobiology Compendium (DPC) to make the learning experience that it provides as robust as possible. There are 6 primary means by which interactivity is fostered in the DPC. 1) Module authors are encouraged to create "challenges" as an introduction to their module. Challenges are scenarios designed to pique a student's interest. Apparent paradoxes can serve as excellent motivational challenges. 2) Interactive graphics are created by DPC programmers at the direction of module authors. This allows inquiry-based learning. 3) Virtual experiments allow the learner to manipulate experimental variables to observe the results. 4) Selectable graphics allow students to view a related series of images on demand. 5) Discussion groups allow interaction among students in a particular class, or all students in any class that are working in a particular learning module. 6) A constantly-accessible glossary allows students to access definitions on demand, without leaving the module in which they are working. In addition, interactivity among instructors who assign DPC modules in their classes is encouraged by separate instructor discussion groups. [Supported by the Photobiology Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education (FIPSE). These contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.]

Keywords: Digital Photobiology Compendium, Web, Teaching, Learning

Reference #: VAL-1016-732802
Submit Date: 03/21/2002 11:41:03-0500

The Legacy of Oscar Raab: Photosensitization in the Digital Photobiology Compendium

ABSTRACT:
A series of about a dozen learning modules in photosensitization are included in the Digital Photobiology Compendium, a free web-based learning resource (www.photobiology.info). The first module of this series, the Basic Photosensitization module, describes fundamental concepts at the level of the undergraduate student, starting with an interactive example about photodynamic killing of fruit flies that is designed to challenge the learner's understanding and to motivate him or her to seek a better understanding of the underlying principles. What makes a good photosensitizer is addressed with the aid of another interactive graphic element on energy transfer. This graphic animates the sequence of reactions from light absorption by the photosensitizer to creation of an excited reactive oxygen species, in this case singlet oxygen. A simple photohemolysis experiment in which the user can select light intensity is used to demonstrate concepts related to biological photosensitization, including reciprocity. Finally, the fruit fly example is revisited and explained based on the concepts presented in the module, followed by a brief, illustrated synopsis of the practical applications of photosensitization. Oscar Raab is discussed in a separate module, a Historical Vignette in Photosensitization, which describes his observations just over 100 years ago on the toxicity of dyes to paramecia and the unexpected dependence on light. Ten Detailed Modules are being prepared to provide more depth to the topics covered in the Basic Photosensitization module, with several slated for completion by the summer of 2002. [Supported by the Photobiology Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education (FIPSE). These contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.]

Keywords: Digital Photobiology Compendium, photosensitization, teaching, learning

Reference #: DAY-1017-005843
Submit Date: 03/24/2002 15:21:46-0500

Development of the Vision Series for the Digital Photobiology Compendium

ABSTRACT:
A section on Vision is currently being developed as part of the Digital Photobiology Compendium. It includes an introduction to the retina and its functional organization, focussing primarily on the photoreceptors and phototransduction. Other topics such as the photobiology of ocular tissues including the cornea, the lens and the retina will follow as detailed modules. There will also be modules on the transmittance of the ocular media, the use of lasers in the management of ocular diseases, and on drug photosensitization. Other topics such as color vision and protection against photoeffects using filters and antioxidant protection are being explored. Authors are encouraged to develop interactive software, which can dramatically demonstrate some of the visual phenomena and related science. Hot topics currently under discussion are photodynamic therapy in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, retinal transplantation and robotic implants. The target audience of this Vision section is broad including senior college level students, graduate students and researchers interested in the field. The poster will present representative examples of the modules. Discussion and suggestions are encouraged. [Supported by the Photobiology Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education (FIPSE). These contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.]

Keywords: Digital Photobiology Compendium, Vision, Ocular tissues