Electronic Biochemistry - An Interactive E-Book Version of an Existing Biochemistry Textbook

University Of Virginia Main Campus, Charlottesville VA

Investigators

Abstract

Biological Sciences (61) The Electronic Biochemistry e-book is a fully interactive, digital resource that transcends the limitations of the two-dimensional printed page and demonstrates the natural richness of the biochemical world in the three dimensions of space and the fourth of time. Through this project, interactive learning modules are being developed and tested and learning environments are being created that prompt students' attention. The e-book utilizes three software technologies including Chime, a molecular modeling plugin; Java, an object-oriented programming language; and Flash, software that creates animations in the HTML environment using streaming vector graphics. The e-book is compatible with PC and Apple Macintosh computers. The investigators are also developing, in partnership with publishers, software developers and industry liaisons, a standard computing tablet/e-book reader platform of sufficient power and features to facilitate better e-book delivery for this and other textbooks. The Electronic Biochemistry e-book is not the result of a simple transfer of text and figures from a paper textbook to an electronic format, with the addition of molecular modeling, Java applets, and animations. Rather, it is a rich and extensive biochemistry "sandbox", in which students can play, learn, imagine, problem-solve, and create, with few limits.