Abstract

To fully appreciate the amazing power of evolution and the magnificent adaptation strategies of different kinds of organisms, Biology students need to integrate their observations on specimen features with knowledge from various lectures. To promote knowledge integration, we make use of “Science Mobile” apps to implement ubiquitous learning in Biology under three main themes, namely (1) Plant Biodiversity and Ecology, (2) Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, and (3) Fungal Biodiversity and Diseases. To achieve this, we target to create more than 400 learning objects. With “Science Mobile”, students can scan the QR code of a specimen in the laboratory setting and then be directed to a learning object in Science Mobile which includes description, related information, schematic diagrams, photos and/or videos of the specimen to aid in the demonstration of the life cycle, adaptive features, reproductive and survival strategies, etc. In this way, the learning of specimens is no longer confined to the laboratory course syllabus. Outside the laboratory, students can also preview or revise the learning objects anytime and anywhere. To further promote integration at a higher level, each learning object is linked to a number of related learning objects in different aspects, including (1) associated biological principles and phenomena, (2) relevant chemical knowledge or/and (3) affiliated culture, history and current issues, and a number of learning pathways/modules consisting of knowledge within Biology, in Chemistry and beyond Science will be created. The learning across courses and disciplines paints a more comprehensive picture for students and promotes integration of knowledge.