MacroInvertebrates vs Aktiv Learning

A mobile interface for the Vermont Macroinvertebrate Database - http://wikieducator.org/Rivers/home. The mobile app updates itself with the website on request and has an easy-to-use interface to help researchers in the field quickly identify the macroinvertebrates they might find in a Vermont stream. This was a student project for CS295/CS395 - App Development & Wireless Devices taught by University of Vermont Associate Professor Christian Skalka. The student team consisted of: Elissa Benedetto, Jeremy Gould, My Mai, Lara Nargozian, and Colum Smith. The database was originally created by the VT EPSCoR Center for Workforce Development and Diversity (VT EPSCoR CWDD) to help with the identification of numerous macroinvertebrates in Vermont waterways. The CWDD continues to add to the WikiEducator site, developed by Declan McCabe, Biology Professor at Saint Michael’s College, which has individual pages for streams throughout Vermont to help identify the approximately 10 most common macroinvertebrates found in each stream, representing more than 95% of the organisms one would find in that stream. This resource has been assembled based upon samples taken by Vermont EPSCoR interns and high school participants between 2008 and 2013. Contributors are far too numerous to mention but we wish to acknowledge Brian Cunningham for establishing the initial structure of the tailored web resources in 2009 and Erin Hayes-Pontius for developing the bulk of the content and photographs between 2009 and 2011. Projects, such as this mobile app, help complement the innovation and workforce development efforts of VT EPSCoR and enhance communications outreach. This app is maintained by Steve Exler, Vermont EPSCoR’s Technologist. Support provided by Vermont EPSCoR with funds from the National Science Foundation Grant EPS-1101317. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Aktiv Learning is an active learning platform built specifically for college-level chemistry and mathematics. Say goodbye to static content and generic multiple choice questions and hello to dynamic problems that are designed to help students learn and visualize abstract concepts in STEM. Aktiv Learning allows chemistry instructors to ask students engaging questions, such as drawing Lewis structures, and receive real-time information on what structures the class is drawing. The app features a custom-built tool that allows students and instructors to quickly and intuitively draw Lewis structures on mobile devices. Additionally, both students and instructors have access to over 250 built-in questions related to Lewis structures, resonance, molecular geometries, VSEPR, hybridization, sigma and pi bonding, and molecular polarity. Features: • Intuitive Lewis structures drawing tool built specifically for mobile devices - Use as engaging demonstration for your students to show example Lewis structures and reinforce concepts such as the octet rule, formal charge, and VSEPR. Students can take advantage of the drawing tool to visualize the relationship between Lewis structures and molecular shapes. • Create in-class or homework assignments - Perfect for clicker, recitation, or review problems. Students receive push notifications to alert and remind them of pending assignments. • Assign or practice with over 250 built-in questions related to Lewis structures, resonance, molecular geometries, VSEPR, hybridization, sigma and pi bonding, and molecular polarity. • Real-time class results - Quickly find common incorrect structures to address student misunderstanding before exams. • Isoform recognition - Aktiv’s technology recognizes correct answers independent of the drawn structure orientation. • Export student activity - Student participation and performance exported in a tap of a button. • Easy sign-up - Students and instructors can create accounts and join courses all within the app in a few steps. • School IT and device independent - Assign, work, and review from any mobile device and over any network connection. More content and features coming soon!