The implementation of e-learning tools to enhance undergraduate bioinformatics teaching and learning: a case study in the National University of Singapore.
BACKGROUND
The rapid advancement of computer and information technology in recent years has resulted in the rise of e-learning technologies to enhance and complement traditional classroom teaching in many fields, including bioinformatics. This paper records the experience of implementing e-learning technology to support problem-based learning (PBL) in the teaching of two undergraduate bioinformatics classes in the National University of Singapore.


RESULTS
Survey results further established the efficiency and suitability of e-learning tools to supplement PBL in bioinformatics education. 63.16% of year three bioinformatics students showed a positive response regarding the usefulness of the Learning Activity Management System (LAMS) e-learning tool in guiding the learning and discussion process involved in PBL and in enhancing the learning experience by breaking down PBL activities into a sequential workflow. On the other hand, 89.81% of year two bioinformatics students indicated that their revision process was positively impacted with the use of LAMS for guiding the learning process, while 60.19% agreed that the breakdown of activities into a sequential step-by-step workflow by LAMS enhances the learning experience


CONCLUSIONS
We show that e-learning tools are useful for supplementing PBL in bioinformatics education. The results suggest that it is feasible to develop and adopt e-learning tools to supplement a variety of instructional strategies in the future.
Lim
Shen Jean
SJ
Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore. jean@bic.nus.edu.sg
Khan
Asif Mohammad
AM
De Silva
Mark
M
Lim
Kuan Siong
KS
Hu
Yongli
Y
Tan
Chay Hoon
CH
Tan
Tin Wee
TW
D019295:Computational Biology / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration; D012846:Singapore; D014495:Universities / Q000458:organization & administration