Biomembranes Transformation: Instructor Led to iPad-Based Student Led

Courtney Scerbak1, Swarup Mitra2, Theresia Schnurr2, Alex Tackett2, Jinghui Zheng2, Gary Bender3, Kriya Dunlap2 
(1. Department of Biology and Wildlife; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska, USA;
2. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska, USA;
3. Office of Information Technology, Training and Development; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska, USA)

Abstract: In the spring of 2013, our graduate-level biochemistry course underwent a radical transformation from a traditionally taught graduate level science class to an iPad-based, student-led class. The overall objective of the course was to provide a platform for developing presentation skills for graduate-level science students, in addition to typical biochemistry course goals. While designing the course, the instructor predicted that students would have little difficulty with this new technology and use it to explore uncharted territory. Initially, some students flourished while others were hesitant to leave their comfort zone. At the end of the course, however, many of the students felt that the use of the iPads had enhanced their learning and their overall knowledge of biochemistry, presentation skills, and technology. The major challenge for the instructor was finding a balance between encouraging free thought and maintaining course structure and integrity. Overall, the consensus was that the iPads were an excellent instructional tool that encouraged sustained active student engagement, resource sharing and innovative presentation strategies. However, in this type of open-ended learning environment, it becomes more important to have clearly outlined course expectations and grading rubrics. The authors discuss many aspects of the transformation that may be useful to other instructors interested in incorporating student-led learning and tablets into graduate education.

Key words: biochemistry, iPad, tablets, graduate-level instruction, student-led instruction