Introduction

This contributed volume focuses on understanding the educational strengths and weaknesses of mediated content (including media as a learning supplement), in comparison to traditional face-to-face learning. Each chapter includes research on, and a broad-brush summary of, approaches to combining life sciences education with educational technologies.

Organization and Key Questions

The chapters are organized into four main sections, each of which focuses on a key question regarding the consequences of incorporating media into education. In this regard, the authors highlight how educational technology is both a bridge and barrier to student access and inclusivity. Further, they address the ongoing discussion as to whether students need to be present for lectures, and on how having agency in their own learning can improve both retention and conceptual understanding. To link the content to current events, the authors also shed light on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the continuity of educational programs and on the growing importance of educational technologies.

Conclusion

Consequently, the book offers life science educators valuable guidance on the technologies already available, and an outlook on what is yet to come.