ISHS Acta Horticulturae 672: IV International Symposium on Horticultural Education, Extension and Training
INTERACTIVE CASE STUDIES ON THE INTERNET: THE RAMOSUS MAZE TOOL |
| Authors: | B.R. MacKay, P.R. Fisher |
| Keywords: | problem-based learning, online learning, action maze, case study |
| Abstract:
A widespread failing of many online university courses is that they replicate passive and traditional pedagogical methods in an online environment. Without the opportunity to participate and interact with case studies and problem-solving activities, learners will not engage with online content, resulting in poor learning outcomes. We developed a case study based on nutrient toxicity symptoms for a greenhouse flower crop, which included photographic and textual descriptions of the problem, and a series of laboratory tests that provided additional data, but at a “cost” to purchase the added information. This case study was presented to students, growers, and educators using an internet-based tool for case studies in horticulture education - the Ramosus maze. Ramosus is an active learning tool, based on the maze metaphor of a simulated situation created to mimic the strategic decision-making of real life. Users commented that Ramosus provided users with “the feel of a real situation” and made them think “diagnostically” and “like a detective”. Ramosus encourages deep learning and adds value to online courses, by balancing the need to increase students' knowledge base (formal class components covering general principles) and their use of that knowledge (application to a specific scenario). The ability to track student progress through the maze also provides additional feedback to instructors on student knowledge level and ability to integrate concepts. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
