2014 Volume 54 Issue 3 Pages 427-437
“TimeTree” provides information about evolutionary time among organisms, i.e. when two species have diverged from a common ancestor, thus allowing us to easily draw a phylogenetic tree of life. Using this online tool, we developed teaching methods to understand the concept of biodiversity on the basis of evolution, and further examined its effect on students’ learning. In order to evaluate the effect of active learning using “TimeTree”, we conducted a field experiment targeting 47 university students belonging to a general education course. We first examined the students on their knowledge of evolution biology, and then gave the students an assignment using smartphone that investigates divergence times between various species in the zoo. The students looked around the zoo and searched for the divergence times of pairs of 10 animal species, as well as those of 7 primates.“ TimeTree” was a tractable online tool for the students. Most students could successfully draw a phylogenetic tree among species using the data of the divergence times. Finally, we conducted the same test of their knowledge of evolution biology. By comparing the scores of pre- and post-tests, we found significant effects that improve the understanding of tree thinking, macroevolution, the timescale of evolution, and biogeography. In conclusion, the teaching or training using the online tool “TimeTree” was effective for promoting the understanding of evolution and biodiversity that is regarded as an important unit in the new teaching guidelines of biological education.
