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V Anne Smith School of Biology, University of St Andrews

Using StarLogo, a graphics-based programming environment, to enable biology students to build computer simulations. V Anne Smith School of Biology, University of St Andrews Mathematical Challenges for Biologists, 16 Nov 2010. The Context.

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V Anne Smith School of Biology, University of St Andrews

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  1. Using StarLogo, a graphics-based programming environment, to enable biology students to build computer simulations V Anne Smith School of Biology, University of St Andrews Mathematical Challenges for Biologists, 16 Nov 2010

  2. The Context • Senior Honours module “Complex Systems in Animal Behaviour” • Small group teaching • Students learn about methods for studying complex systems in animal behaviour • including computer simulation

  3. Computer Practical • Wanted to enable students to experience building a computer simulation • But… • most SH Biology students not conversant with programming

  4. StarLogo TNG • Developed by MIT’s Education Labs • Graphical programming interface • Agent-based modelling • Available free for Windows & Mac

  5. http://education.mit.edu/projects/starlogo-tng

  6. The Practical • Two 2-hour sessions • First session • learning to build simulation • Second session • modify simulation on own

  7. Learning • Step-by-step instructions to build simulation from scratch • ants carrying granules • follow process of programming, not just putting pieces together • Process • constantly checking results • debugging for desired output

  8. Modifying • Provide completed version of simulation • Ask students to modify characteristics and run a small simulation experiment

  9. Student Modifications • Change angle of turn • Change height of granules • Change numbers • Change initial distribution • Change shapes • etc.

  10. Survey Experiment • Pre- and post-surveys • Ask • perceptions of computer programming • questions requiring understanding code • text and graphical • confidence on answers • Preliminary: 8 students from last year, plan to continue with Dr Ishbel Duncan, Computer Science

  11. Perceptions Disagree Agree

  12. Questions paired t-test P=0.05 paired t-test P=0.24

  13. Summary • Students enjoy StarLogo • Students learn about programming • Change in perception? More research needed • Confidence increases, although not necessarily accuracy anne.smith@st-andrews.ac.uk

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