U N I V E R S I T Y  O F  P I T T S B U R G H

 A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh 

Out-of-Classroom, On-Demand Viewing to Enhance Introductory Genetics Course

Yvette Conley

Photo by Patty Nagle, CIDDE

Yvette Conley, School of Nursing, feels it is important that our future health care providers have a basic understanding of genetics. With such perception, they can fully appreciate what is currently known about genetics, what is yet to be learned about it, and how this knowledge will affect health care in the future. Her project, Pilot and Feasibility Study to Develop and Implement Clinical Application Lectures to Enhance Introductory Genetics Course Using Tegrity for Out-of-Classroom, On-Demand Viewing, is designed to supplement and enhance Introductory Genetics, a course oriented to science-based content and currently taught to all second-year nursing students (usually between 120 and 140 students each year). The goal is to supplement the course content with the clinical application of genetics without compromising its strong science base.

To achieve this goal, the project will employ videotaped lectures given by seven or eight nationally recognized clinical experts who are using genetics in their practices. These videotapes will be produced by the Center for Instructional Development & Distance Education (CIDDE) using Tegrity, an innovative technology that captures more than just image and voice. In addition to the presenter’s image and voice, the videotape can incorporate audio-visual aids such as PowerPoint slides that the lecturer can annotate as the lecture proceeds. Another advantage of the videotapes is the flexibility provided the students: they may view them at anytime, anywhere, and as often as they wish. Additionally, supplementary material, such as supporting text, optional readings, and quizzes will be developed for each lecture. Assisting Conley will be Peter Draus, director of the Learning Resource Center at the School of Nursing.

Conley points out that participation in the project initially will be optional. At the end of the first year, she will do a statistical analysis of the grades of participants and non-participants. A decision will then be made to determine whether the clinical application section will become a required or optional component of the course.

A newsletter devoted to the support of teaching and learning at the University of Pittsburgh

Center for Instructional Development & Distance Education
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