Overview - The MATRIX - Cost - Works - Modules - Features

What is the DPC?

Welcome to the Digital Photobiology Compendium (DPC). The DPC is designed to be a continually revisable, and therefore up-to-date, learning resource for you and your students. It is to be used in conjunction with the photobiology content of your class. Below, we will tell you how you can select and assemble a set of DPC learning modules for your class that matches the areas of photobiology that you teach - at a similar level of difficulty and in the same order in which you teach.

 

How can I access DPC material?

To use the DPC you should first complete the free, brief registration found on the home page of the Instructors' section of the web site. (You can click on the words "Instructors' Site" at the top of this page to return there right now.) You will select a username and password that will allow you to easily return to your personal DPC Instructors' page during future visits.

 

How does the DPC work?

The heart of the DPC is a set of web-based learning modules organized into a matrix that simplifies selection of modules in the areas and at the academic level(s) that you need. An easy-to-use interface guides you through the selection and sequencing of the learning modules that you want to use. If there are prerequisites for any of the modules that you select, you will be prompted to add them to your sequence, if you so desire. When you've finished, you assign a name to the "Work" that you create. When you're ready to use your Work, you instruct your students to log in to the Learners' Site and request your Work by the name that you assigned to it at the time of its creation. When you're ready to create a Work for your class, just choose the link that says, "Create or Edit My Works," and you'll be guided through creation of your own Work(s).

You can also register the course in which you plan to use your Work. This information will help to guide future development of the DPC.

 

The MATRIX

Learning modules are organized in the MATRIX so that the most fundamental modules are in the columns on the left. Columns to the right contain detailed modules - either at a more advanced level, or in greater detail than the fundamental modules. The rows represent different sub-disciplines of photobiology.

 

How much does it cost?

The best part of the DPC is the cost. No, it's not free - but there is no financial cost. The only compensation that we ask is that you and your students complete the evaluation forms that are supplied at the site. In addition we will require students to take a short multiple-choice test both before and after each module. The pre-test is required to gain access to each module, and completion of the post-test allows access to the next module. We can only continue to provide and develop the DPC, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, if we collect adequate evaluation data. That is, we need your help to complete the Instructors' Evaluation Form and in emphasizing the need to your students.

NOTE: You can view the pre-test and post-test results of students who have registered to use your Works by selecting "View Quiz Results Report" in the Manage My Works" section of your personal Instructors' page at the DPC Instructors' site.

 

"Works" of the DPC

Sequences of DPC learning modules are referred to as Works. Several standard pre-defined Works can be assigned to Learners, or custom-sequences can be assembled and assigned. Below, we describe the standard Works.

Basic Textbook in Photobiology - The modules in the first column constitute a Basic Textbook in Photobiology. They are designed for courses at the upper undergraduate level. The Basic Textbook in Photobiology is one of the standard pre-defined Works of the DPC. If you don't want to create your own custom work, you can just assign the Basic Textbook in Photobiology to your class.

Laboratory Experiments in Photobiology (under development) - The modules in the second column are a set of Laboratory Experiments in Photobiology. These will include both virtual experiments that learners can complete online and more conventional descriptions of experiments to be completed in the lab. Laboratory Experiments in Photobiology is another of the standard pre-defined Works of the DPC.

History of Photobiology - The modules in the third column constitute a History of Photobiology. These modules will contain interactive timelines as well as narrative descriptions of seminal historical events in each sub discipline. History of Photobiology is another standard pre-defined Work of the DPC.

Detailed Monographs (under development) - The modules in each of the rows constitute Detailed Monographs in each of the sub disciplines of photobiology. These modules are also standard pre-defined Works of the DPC.

 

Characteristics of Learning Modules of the DPC

Learning modules in the DPC are being constructed to engage the learner with interactive graphic elements that assist in understanding concepts that are sometimes difficult to grasp. Many modules incorporate challenges that lend relevance to the material presented in that module. The goal is to help the learner to become actively involved in learning so that he will be more likely to be able to recall and apply the knowledge acquired.

 

Global Features of the DPC

Several features of the DPC enhance its usability and provide a unifying theme that makes modules assemble into cohesive Works. For example, a glossary of terms is always available. Learners can type any term into a small text field to ask for a definition. Common navigation links are available from all modules. Discussion groups allow students studying the same module and/or Work to post messages and replies to one another.

These same features apply to all modules, including Detailed Modules. This familiar learning environment encourages learners to return to the DPC whenever they have a need for additional knowledge in any area of photobiology. Thus, the DPC environment has been devised to promote lifelong learning from the level of the undergraduate student in photobiology through that of practicing professional photobiologist.