Application of the Internet System to Biological Education-Making a World Wide Web (WWW) Teaching Resource on Plant Reproduction

Abstract

The present authors have developed an internet on-line teaching resource on plant reproduction. This resource is different from any other one such as CD-ROM, since it is possible to use it with any computer operating system such as Windows, Macintosh system or Unix. By having access to this resource, users are able to view our original pictures and explanations of the reproductive organs in green algae, bryophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms.

Two approaches, the systematic approach and the comparative approach, are included in this resource. The systematic approach is designed to study the plant organs and the reproductive system of each plant species. The comparative approach is designed to study similarities and differences of reproductive organs in several plant species. Therefore, users can freely use this resource according to their interest.

Taking advantage of the interactive function of the internet system, a questionnaire and a question box are added. Users can send back their answers to the questionnaire and their own questions. Therefore, the authors can obtain users'comments and requests to be used for improving this resource and the users can get additional information from the authors through e-mail.