HISTORY: PHOTOBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES ONLINE

The Digital Photobiology Compendium (DPC) was initiated by Dennis Valenzeno in 2000 (download DPC.pdf).

As described in the PDF document, the DPC was conceived as consisting of a matrix of more than 100 instructional modules in all sub-disciplines of photobiology. The modules were designed to be mutually compatible to allow the user (learner or instructor) to connect a set of modules in a user-defined Work. The matrix was designed to include modules suitable for learners at various levels, from advanced undergraduate through practicing professional. The website was quite complicated, with sections for Learners, Instructors, Developers, and Visitors.

In 2004, there were 12 completed basic modules on the major areas of photobiology, and 8 modules as historical vignettes. There were 28 files in the developer section, in various stages of completion. Unfortunately, various circumstances prevented the DPC project from reaching maturity.

In 2007, Kendric Smith salvaged the files, and modified the archaic HTML code so that the files could be viewed on current computers. The project was renamed Photobiological Sciences Online (PSO).

Kendric Smith, as Editor and Webmaster, then started the long process of obtaining revisions of the old modules, and of seeking new modules. In 2010, the last of the old modules was finally revised. Currently (July 2011) there are 82 modules, with many new modules "In Preparation".

There are also modules on How to Cite Modules, Suggested Readings, Help For This Website, Editorial Advisory Board, User Statistics, History of PSO, Animations for Science, and a section of Experiments for Students.

The User Statistics show that Photobiological Sciences Online is widely used. PSO started out with an average of 600 hits per month, and we now have over 10,000 unique visitors per month. The number of unique visitors doubles every 12-13 months.

In September 2011, all interactive graphics and movies were either removed, replaced with a still picture from the graphics, or replaced with a new figure. This was necessary because these graphics do not show up on Apple iPads, which are now used by so many students. These graphics also do not show up in PDF files, which are the first step toward producing eBooks, the new technology for textbooks.


04/06/10
10/04/11


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