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S I T E     R E V I E W
MAY, 1997

B+

Virtual Courseware for Science Education
http://vearthquake.calstatela.edu/
(Formerly Virtual Applications)

A CONTENT:
Virtual courseware are online activities for demonstrating principles of specific natural science concepts.

B+ AESTHETICS:
Mainly large blocks of text on the home pages but nice use of graphics throughout the applications.

B+ ORGANIZATION:
The buttons to begin the applications are quite large and easy to find. The instructions for following the program are well written and flow easily. Navigating the site is relatively easy because of the minimal options available and the menu options at the bottom of each page.

REVIEW:
Virtual Courseware for Science Education is an ongoing project dedicated to developing interactive Web-based activities for the Life and Earth Sciences. These activities are designed to enhance the learning and teaching of scientific principles at the undergraduate college and university level as well as at the high school AP level. There are currently two main labs that can be explored. The first, Biology Labs On-Line, offers a series of interactive, inquiry-based biology simulations and exercises designed for college and AP high school biology students. The second, Geology Labs On-Line, is a comprehensive project to develop Web-based lab activities that enhance the learning and teaching of introductory Geology and other Earth and Environmental Science courses at the College and High School levels. These "Virtual" labs are interactive where students learn by "doing" and not just clicking and viewing. Some of these labs are avaiable for free or can be used on a free trial basis, others require a fee based annual subscription.