Thank you for being a beta tester for SCi’s CRISPR simulation online learning module. This is a rudimentary version of what will eventually be freely available on the SCi website to any learner or instructor who would like to use it. All of the major content components of the online learning module are on this temporary webpage: the background materials, instruction videos, the simulation, the debrief questions, and the resource library. Please note, we are producing two original instruction videos about how to use the simulation and navigate the debrief. These films are still in production, so we are simply reading the scripts in the temporary instruction videos provided here.
First check out the background materials we have provided and then watch the simulation instruction video. Next, run the simulation. We encourage you to run through the simulation multiple times, if you have the time. After you complete the simulation, watch the debrief instruction video and then reflect on the various debrief questions, which we have organized by theme (i.e. decision making and values, power and equity in research…). The various debrief themes are also tagged with specific resources for you to learn more about each theme. You can also explore the entire resource library to see the complete collection of resources. Once you have finished the online learning module, please click on the link to the beta-tester survey to share your thoughts and feedback with us.
Going through the online learning module and completing the survey should take around an hour. This is not a small amount of time and we are so grateful for your generosity in helping to make this online learning module better! If you have any questions or additional comments please don’t hesitate to email us at sci@hms.harvard.edu
🎬 “How CRISPR lets us edit our DNA“. Jennifer Doudna. Ted Talk Nov. 12 2015
📄 “FDA approves first test of CRISPR to correct genetic defect causing sickle cell disease” by Robert Sanders Berkeley News March 30, 2021.
Decision Making and Values
1. Ease of deciding. What decisions, if any, were easier than others? How so, and why?
2. Personal values. When making your decision, what personal values did you consider?
3. Conflicting values. Were there values in tension as you worked through the simulation? If so, at what decision points? How did you prioritize values? How did you handle conflicting values?
4. Whose Values? When making decisions about what research agendas to pursue, whose values should be taken into account? Is it only those of the researcher involved, or does the researcher have a responsibility to understand how others’ values might result in a different decision? And if so, how can we ensure various perspectives are taken into consideration? And how can they be reconciled?
Resources
1. A Real-time look at value-based decision-making” by Francis Collins, NIH Director’s Blog January 16 2020
https://directorsblog.nih.gov/2020/01/16/a-real-time-look-at-value-based-decision-making/
2. “Science with Society #SCISO – Values in Science” Global Young Academy March 24, 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8nnnBneg_M
*Activity tip: Try writing down your top five personal values (i.e. x, y, z). Compare how your decisions aligned with those values.
Power and Equity in Research
5. Funding and research agendas. Whether or not a specific type of research is funded has an impact on society. Who funds research can also have an impact – both on the type of research that is supported as well as on how the research findings are shared. How did the different sources of funding in the simulation affect the research agenda?
Resource
Billionaires with Big Ideas are Privatizing American Science by William J. Broad. The New York Times, March 15 2014
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/science/billionaires-with-big-ideas-are-privatizing-american-science.html
6. Considering impacted populations. Some diseases benefit from higher research funding than others. Advances in scientific research and disease treatments are often unequal with some diseases (and the populations they impact) receiving little attention. How did the disease population profile, existing research funding, and potential accessibility to treatment affect your decisions?
Resources
1. Comparison of US Federal and Foundation Funding of Research for Sickle Cell Disease and Cystic Fibrosis and Factors Associated with Research Productivity. Faheem Farooq, MD1; Peter J. Mogayzel, MD, PhD2; Sophie Lanzkron, MD3; et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(3):e201737
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2763606
2. “When Actions Speak Louder than Words: Racism and Sickle Cell Disease” NEJM 2020
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2022125
CRISPR and Disability
7. Treating vs. eliminating. Is there a moral difference between treating a condition (disease, genetic variation, etc.) and eliminating it? If so, what is the difference?
8. Defining Disability. What is disability? A medically observable deviation from biomedical norms? Or a marker of social identity that is systematically used to discriminate against certain groups of people? What are the advantages and disadvantages of thinking about disability in one way or another?
Resource
“The Dark Side of CRISPR” by Sandy Sufian and Rosemary Garland-Thomson, Scientific American, Feb 16, 2021
9. Imposing treatment. Who should decide whether CRISPR should be used to treat a condition and/or eliminate it? Can a society impost treatment on a group of individuals?
Resources
1. “Gene editing like CRISPR is to important to be left to scientists alone” Natalie Kofler, The Guardian, Oct. 22 2019
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/22/gene-editing-crispr-scientists
2. “Bespoke Babies: Genome Editing in Cystic Fibrosis Embryos” Brothers, K.B., Devereaus, M., and R.M. Sade Ann Thorac Surg. 2019 Oct; 108(4): 995–999.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6931252/
10. Disability and eugenics. What is eugenics, and does seeking to eliminate a disability constitute it? One helpful way to think about this is to start with comparing race and disability–how is race different from disability? How is it similar?
CRISPR Ethics
11. Somatic vs. germline. Is there a moral difference between somatic gene editing (editing of non-reproductive cells) and germline gene editing (edits that are passed onto future generations)? How did your morals influence your simulation decisions?
Resources
1. “Ethical and Social Issues in Human Germline Editing” John Evans, NAS Sackler Colloquium, Dec. 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBtGdJs6Uw4
2. “Heritable Human genome editing? Who Decides? Science or Society?” Françoise Baylis, JME Blog, October 11, 2021
https://blogs.bmj.com/medical-ethics/2021/10/11/heritable-human-genome-editing-who-decides-science-or-society/
12. Unintended use. While the case being examined in the simulation is using CRISPR for treating disease (which is itself not without controversy), is it the responsibility of researchers to consider how the same technology could be used for more malicious or problematic purposes, like creating bioweapons and designer babies?
13. CRISPR governance. Are there certain cases where germline editing is morally acceptable? What might those cases be? Is some kind of coordinated effort to harmonize regulations, perhaps internationally, required?
Resources
1. “When might human germline editing be justified?” by Jennifer M. Gumer, The Hastings Center Blog, September 26, 2019
https://www.thehastingscenter.org/when-might-human-germline-editing-be-justified/
2. World Health Organization, Human genome editing: position paper. July 12, 2021
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240030404\
Behavioral Ethics
14. Personal biases. Going through the simulation, did you become aware of any biases you may hold? What were they and how did they influence your choices?
15. External pressures. External pressures – such as the desire to please colleagues or administrators, or to attain tenure or keep a steady paycheck, or to retain valued employees – often influence people’s decision-making below their level of conscious awareness. What external pressures did you face as the researcher? How did you navigate these pressures? What influence did these pressures have on your decision-making and choices?
16. Contextual pressures. Depending on the version of the simulation that you ran, you had a specific set of personal and professional circumstances that likely influenced your choices at each decision point. What contextual pressures influenced your decision-making? How so?
Resource
Self-serving Bias (4.5 min.)
https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/video/self-serving-bias
17. Stakeholder agendas. Both the donor and the university leadership had specific agendas, which naturally influenced their decision-making in service of their goals. What biases did the donor have? What biases did the Dean have? How did their respective agendas influence your choices and decision-making as the researcher?
Public Engagement
18. Public pressure. How did the external organizational pressures affect your decision to engage with the protesters? What other factors did you consider when choosing whether or not and how to engage with the protestors?
19. Social responsibility. As a member of society, scientific researchers can play an important role in public discourse. What ethical responsibilities do researchers have to engage with the public about their research?
Resource
“Public and Stakeholder Engagement in Developing Human Heritable Genome Editing Polices: What Does it Mean and What Should it Mean?” Iltis A., Hoover, S., and K.R.W. Matthers. Front. Polit. Sci., 22 September 2021
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2021.730869/full
Group Decision-Making
20. Group dynamics. Reflect on your group’s decision-making process. What worked well? What could have been improved?
21. Navigating disagreements. Was there disagreement in your group about which decisions to make? If so, how did you navigate those disagreements?
22. Group values. Was there disagreement in your group about what values to prioritize when making decisions? If so, how did your group navigate those value tensions?
*Activity tip: Try writing down your top five personal values. Then as a group share your values and together create a list of your group’s top five values. Compare how your group’s decisions aligned with your group’s values.
23. Group biases. In what ways might your group’s choices have been influenced by groupthink or the conformity bias? Groupthink and conformity bias are unconscious influences that describe everyone’s tendency to go along with what the group is thinking, and to take their social and moral cues from the people around them.
FAQs
Are online training modules effective? ›
Students Gain More Knowledge Than In Standard Classes
According to IBM, students in online learning courses incorporating multimedia content learn five times more material than students in traditional face-to-face classes.
The main difference between eLearning and online learning is the amount of interaction. Students and instructors interact more during online learning, while eLearning is more self-paced.
What is the hardest part of modular distance learning? ›Poor internet connectivity is one of the challenges of modular learning that students face.
How difficult or easy is it to use the distance learning modular online? ›Distance learning is very flexible.
Although distance learning can fit into anyone's schedule, students must take the initiative to study and complete their course work. Distance learning programs are not easy or automatic, so lazy students will probably not successfully complete courses they enroll in.
Success rates tend to be higher in face-to-face classes. In Fall 15, face-to-face classes had a success rate of 69% versus only 60% in online classes, a gap of 9%. However, this gap has been decreasing, with only a 3% gap in success rates in Fall 19 (70% in face-to-face versus 67% online).
What is the success rate of online classes? ›18. In 2020, the graduation rate for K-12 students was just 54.6% The National Education Policy Center Report 2021 found that the graduation rates of K-12 was significantly lower with just 54.6% of virtual schools and 64.3% in blended schools when the overall average of national graduation rate is 85%.
What is the difference between online course and online learning? ›In online learning, students can be together in one place via a virtual classroom where an instructor is present with them while working through their digital lessons and assessments. When using distance learning, candidates work online or at home after the teacher assigns work and checks it digitally.
Is there a difference between online learning and virtual learning? ›The difference between eLearning and virtual learning is the amount of interaction involved. Virtual learning has more interaction between students and instructors while eLearning is more self-paced. Choosing which one is better is up to the individual.
What is the difference between eLearning and B learning? ›a) The learning environment
The main difference between these two teaching methods relates to their implementation. E-learning takes place online using technology (such as a computer, smartphone or tablet). A blended learning course is followed online from anywhere, as well as in person.
1. Children dislike modular learning. Generally, the children don't like online and modular learning; they get weary, and restlessness sets in.
What are the common problems in modular learning? ›
The issues encountered towards modular distance learning approach were communication failure like that of instructions or confusion of students on the modules, limited teacher guidance, student's in discourteous approach to teachers, complaints on not understanding the module, and all of which results to misbehavior on ...
What percent of students prefer modular distance learning? ›More than 42 percent of parents of private and public school students prefer modular learning for their children instead of “blended” and online learning.
Why most students prefer modular distance learning than online distance learning? ›Everyone in the class has equal access to learning materials, unlike the lessons taught in online classes. These resources are printed and distributed to students in the community. By these, students also get inventive with how they're going to study the lessons or answer the tests.
What is the disadvantage of distance modular learning? ›The disadvantages of distance learning are:
Lack of physical social interaction that is found in a typical, traditional classroom. Students can only engage and share opinions through virtual means in chatrooms or broadcasts, but are not able to physically interact with each other.
The Importance of Self-Discipline
In general, an online course will require far more self-discipline and motivation than an offline course because students must put forth more effort to manage time and workload. Students will need to develop strong organizational strategies in order to succeed.
The average completion rate for online courses teeters around 15% and the dropout rates are astronomical.
What percentage of students are failing online classes? ›The success rate for online classes is only 50 percent as opposed to 75 percent for face-to-face courses. Students who are struggling in a course are more likely to become discouraged and drop out. It is important to seek out help before you get “lost” in the course and lose motivation to continue.
How many students struggled with online learning? ›We found that during the transition to remote learning, 67% of students experienced struggle. The most reported struggles included: shifts in class format, effective study habits, time management, and increased external commitments.
What is one downside of taking online classes? ›Online courses require the self-discipline to set aside chunks of time to complete your studies. It means you have to make online studying a priority and not let other activities interfere. Sometimes, it means making difficult choices.
Is online school easier than real school? ›For some people, online programs are easier because they offer a flexible schedule. In addition, people with great time management skills and a sense of responsibility can excel in online classes. However, online education may be more challenging for those who enjoy learning in a classroom environment.
Is online school harder than in school? ›
Because online classes cover the same or similar material, typically in the same amount of time as traditional classes, they are not harder. The only thing that can make an online class seem harder is the amount of reading and communication they require.
Is online school better for mental health? ›Learning from home may allow students to learn in a more comfortable environment. Students who experience bullying, anxiety, discrimination, or harassment may find that online learning benefits their mental health.
Are online degrees respected? ›According to the experts, degrees earned from accredited online schools are taken just as seriously as degrees earned at brick-and-mortar institutions. Although, it's also important to remember that hiring managers look at other aspects of your job application or resume before extending an offer.
Is online learning better than college? ›You have more control over your schedule
While some programs may require participation in online lectures at certain times, those same lectures are generally archived for later reference. Because online learning is more flexible than classroom-based learning, students can work through material at their own pace.
More Equitable, Accessible Learning
Online courses allow students to learn at their own pace on their own schedule, which is an approach to studying known as asynchronous learning. This format empowers students to take notes, review lectures, and go over other course materials in a way that works best for them.
Online Learning Requires Self-Discipline
If a student does not feel they are getting the proper guidance, they may not have enough self-discipline to fully engage in the lessons themselves. Moving to virtual, real-time classes instead of just online courses gives a greater sense of accountability.
Online courses teach students how to manage their time better since the student bears the responsibility of engaging with the course instead of simply showing up to class on an assigned day and time. As a result, students not only gain knowledge from the coursework, but they also sharpen their time management skills.
What are the three levels of eLearning? ›- Passive eLearning Interactivity Level. This sort of eLearning enhances zero interactivity. ...
- Limited eLearning Interactivity Level. Limited participation exists at this stage. ...
- Moderate eLearning Interactivity Level. ...
- Full eLearning Interactivity Level.
They identify two primary types of e-learning: computer-based e-learning and internet-based e-learning. This classification method could be seen as more accurate because it differentiates e-learning from online learning, the two of which are often incorrectly used interchangeably.
Does eLearning always mean courses? ›Some Definitions Might Help...
“eLearning is learning while utilizing electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. In most cases, it refers to a course, program or degree delivered completely online.”
What is more effective face to face or online learning? ›
The Advantages of Face to Face Learning in the Classroom
You'll be able to concentrate harder on your learning because there'll be less distraction than if you were at home. You may feel more comfortable and learn more easily in a familiar, traditional classroom situation.
Modular teaching is more effective in teaching learning process as compared to ordinary teaching methods. Because in this modular approach the students learn at their own pace.
What are the main advantage and disadvantage of modular? ›The modular is fast and easy to integrate because they are pre-built and usually require no calibration. Also, it does not require any specific equipment, thus suitable for any business type. The development cost is lower. Coming to the disadvantages, they have a limited number of configurations.
Why is modular learning hard? ›It's hard to absorb new information when no one is there to guide you (or at least empathize with you) when the lessons become too much. This may also contribute to the anxiety and depression some students feel now that they're struggling to keep up with modular learning demands.
Do teachers like teaching online? ›More than three-fourths of the teachers preferred online teaching during the pandemic, and most preferred both physical and mixed teaching in the post-pandemic era.
What is the common problem of teachers in modular learning? ›Ethical issues were considered in the conduct of the study. Results revealed that the challenges of teachers in modular distance learning includes time-consuming, incomplete and unanswered modules, inadequate parental support, and insufficient trainings to teachers.
Which is more effective modular or online learning? ›Online learning is certainly the more effective option for students, but it's also better for the environment.
How many parents chose modular learning? ›According to DepEd, more than 8.8 million parents chose modular learning as their preferred distance learning modality for the upcoming school year, with only 3.3 million opting for online learning.
Which learning modality do students prefer the least? ›However, only 2 students in a study conducted by Dehghani (2021) chose read/write learning style when learning vocabulary. This learning style is also ranked as the lowest in Cabual's (2021) study with 11.56% of second-year college students are read/write learners. ...
What are the 10 disadvantages of online classes? ›- Limited Teacher to Student Feedback.
- Risk of Social Isolation.
- Cheating is more brutal to monitor.
- E-learning is inaccessible to digitally illiterate people.
- Issues with Accreditation and Quality Assurance.
- Requires self-motivation and efficient time management skills.
Does modular learning help students learn more? ›
Benefits of Using Modules
They discover new things and they experiment with knowledge themselves. Students learn to reflect on their experiences, thus developing new skills, attitudes, and ways of thinking.
There is significant effect of Modular Learning Modality to the Mathematics Achievement Level at 52.6 percent of the average grades accounted by the regression model.
What are the weakness of distance learning? ›Weaknesses. Distance learning is challenging for unmotivated students: Some students can easily stay motivated when working from home; many others have difficulty staying on task. Without teacher supervision or in the absence of parental support, students can get sidetracked by other distractions at home.
What are the problems in online distance learning? ›- Ineffective Time Management.
- Lack of Instant Communication.
- Not Receiving Timely Feedback.
- Not Receiving Clear Instructions or Expectations.
- Share Time Management Apps and Resources for Students.
- Utilize Educational Technology (“EdTech”)
- Increase Peer Review.
The study revealed that the 2.25% decrease in the GWA of learners after the implementation of MDL denotes a significant difference in their academic performance. MDL strengthens family bonding, independent learning, and is cost-effective.
How many people think online school is better? ›Survey Data: What Students Say About Online Learning
Many online students surveyed in our 2022 Online Education Trends report shared positive experiences: 95% of online college graduates would recommend online learning. 70% of students said online education was better than or equal to in-person learning.
Online education is less stressful because of the natural flexibility built into the programs. There's no waking up for 7am classes or rushing through traffic to get to class on time. The programs are designed to be flexible, which allows students to learn at their own pace.
Why is online school so stressful? ›Increased workload. Online learning comes with the expectation that a student will understand and properly navigate new technologies such as Zoom or WebEx. Physical strains. Staring at a screen all day, perhaps lacking a proper chair, squinting through glare — these can take a physical toll.
What are the benefits of an online module? ›- Flexibility. ...
- Reduced Costs. ...
- More Free Time. ...
- Increased Course Variety. ...
- Career Advancement Opportunities. ...
- Increased Collaboration. ...
- Personalized Education. ...
- Enhanced Time Management Skills.
In-person training is not flexible. By providing classes or courses online, you eliminate the need to commute to a central location and make learning more convenient. A recent survey found employee training using eLearning can take 40-60% less time than traditional employee training requires.
What is the advantage of online training program? ›
- Online courses are convenient. ...
- Online courses offer flexibility. ...
- Online courses bring education right to your home. ...
- Online courses offer more individual attention. ...
- Online courses help you meet interesting people. ...
- Online courses give you real world skills.
Lessons are typically completed faster than classroom courses. Educates the workforce on good manufacturing practices. Exceptionally effective for compliance training. Help manufacturing companies manage high employee turnover.
What is the difference between module and online class? ›Module is the term that is most often used to describe online lessons or units. Online course modules typically contain content and activities organized to create a clear learning path for students.
Do people learn better in-person or virtually? ›Physical Learning Offers More Hands-On Experience
This provides opportunities to learn firsthand through seeing and acting. Face-to-face interaction is essential for greater clarity and understanding than online training.
Some known pros of virtual training are flexibility, convenience, and cost-efficiency. On the other hand, the cons of virtual training are technology issues and information mismanagement. There are more that you can add to the list but these are the basic ones.
Which is more effective online learning or classroom learning? ›Online learning is great for those who want to manage studies with work and other life activities. With adjustable schedules and less burden, they can learn with ease. Classrooms require more discipline and active participation. Teachers get greater command over students in a traditional learning environment.
What are 3 benefits of online software? ›- More Flexible Than a Yogi. Online software adapts its prices according to your organization's size and the features you need. ...
- Simple To Use. ...
- Accessible From Anywhere. ...
- Easy Collaboration. ...
- Monthly Subscription. ...
- Get Started Immediately. ...
- Safe and Secure. ...
- Internet Connection.
1) A Step by Step Course
For a shorter course, you probably only want 3 to 5 main steps or modules that will comprise the bulk of your course. Every module contains several lessons that teach the actual course.
Around 40% of Fortune 500 companies use eLearning for training. Fortune 500 companies make up some of the most successful businesses in the world, and 40% of them use eLearning regularly and extensively.
What is an online training module? ›A training module is a segment of an overall digital corporate elearning course that focuses on a specific topic or objective. Think of training modules like a chapter of a book. Each module (or chapter) acts as a step in a learner's journey, each time edging closer to completing the overall course.