Development of a Hypertext, Graphics-rich Glossary for Use in Teaching Undergraduate Plant Propagation

• Published in: HortScience Vol. 32; no. 3; p. 528
• Main Author: Durham, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.1997
• ISSN: 0018-5345; 2327-9834
• DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI.32.3.528F

Computer-aided instruction is becoming ever-more popular in higher education. The visual nature of horticultural instruction makes it particularly amenable to teaching with computer-based graphic and hypertext formats. The Texas Tech Horticulture Faculty is interested in developing multimedia materials for instruction. Thus far, attention has been directed mainly at courses in introductory horticulture and plant propagation. For the plant propagation course, one activity is the construction of a hypertext glossary in the area of asexual propagation. Topics included in the glossary include propagation by cutting, layering, budding, grafting, and micropropagation. Multiple-choice exams are also available in the module so that students can assess their understanding of the subject matter presented. The glossary is not meant to replace lecture attendance, rather students will be encouraged to access the material outside of class to supplement lecture material. The student is presented a narrative with hot-text links that when activated, pull up additional information with a combination of text and graphics. Alternatively, students can access the same information from a hierarchical topic menu. Plant propagation instructors may also benefit from the glossary's ready supply of visuals that can be down-loaded and used in a traditional classroom format.