The concepts of evolution and natural selection remain as some of the most challenging topics to teach. The difficulty in teaching these topics arises from the fact that evolution is difficult to observe, and computer simulations do not always result in a clear understanding of evolutionary principles. Recently, the Avida-ED software has been developed to simulate evolution in a laboratory setting. Unlike other simulations, Avida-ED allows students to manipulate the environment, change the genetics of the virtual organisms, and track offspring in real time. We have demonstrated, by using pretest and posttest questionnaires, that students gained a deeper understanding of evolutionary concepts by using this software. In particular, students showed the greatest increase in their ability to explain evolutionary concepts in answers to open-ended questions. Our results show that Avida-ED could be a useful tool in helping students understand and combat preconceived notions about evolution.
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February 2020
Research Article|
February 01 2020
Evaluating the Use of Avida-ED Digital Organisms to Teach Evolution & Natural Selection
Delbert S. Abi Abdallah,
Delbert S. Abi Abdallah
DELBERT S. ABI ABDALLAH is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA 16509; e-mail: dabiabdallah@lecom.edu
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Christopher W. Fonner,
Christopher W. Fonner
CHRISTOPHER W. FONNER is an Assistant Professor of Physiology at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA 16509; e-mail: cfonner@lecom.edu.
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Neil C. Lax,
Neil C. Lax
NEIL C. LAX is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125; e-mail: nlax@thiel.edu
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Matthew R. Babeji,
Matthew R. Babeji
MATTHEW R. BABEJI is a former undergraduate student in the Environmental Science Department at Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125
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Fatimata A. Palé
Fatimata A. Palé
FATIMATA A. PALÉ is a Professor of Biology at Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125; e-mail: fpale@thiel.edu.
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The American Biology Teacher (2020) 82 (2): 114–119.
Citation
Delbert S. Abi Abdallah, Christopher W. Fonner, Neil C. Lax, Matthew R. Babeji, Fatimata A. Palé; Evaluating the Use of Avida-ED Digital Organisms to Teach Evolution & Natural Selection. The American Biology Teacher 1 February 2020; 82 (2): 114–119. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2020.82.2.114
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