Blended learning in biochemistry: The development of pre-class and post-class learning aids for electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation

Abstract

Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation are always a challenging topic for students studying metabolism. We had adopted blended learning in metabolism teaching and evaluated the learning experiences of students. In this project, a pre-class learning aid the Story Mode and a post-class learning aid the Revision Mode in the Powerland was developed that facilitated students learning electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation. In the Story Mode, pathways were presented by short animations and simplified diagram that allowed students to understand basic concepts and recall simple facts of the topic. Students were asked to watch the animations before class to acquire lower level of cognitive learning first, and this facilitated students in understanding more complicated concepts later on during class. Another challenge that students faced was that they were especially weak at integrating metabolic pathways and understand the relationships between these pathways. A metro map was designed in the Revision Mode that aided students in knowledge integration, and the functions of biomolecules were summarized in flashcards that helped students in revising the concepts. This interactive self-learning tool was packaged as a courseware using the Articulate Storyline.

Keywords: active learning; biochemistry; blended learning; electron transport chain; metabolism; oxidative phosphorylation.