Pedagogical goal -- to help students visualize the arborization of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites within the tadpole visual system I developed an animation that considers the ganglion cells from several views, including time. The animation will be used in conjunction with a developmental biology laboratory exercise wherein students visualize axon extension and estimate axon extension rates in the tadpole brain. Lab exercise information available at: http://www.bio.davidson.edu/biology/balom/306/AxonLab.html and http://www.bio.davidson.edu/Biology/balom/SFN00poster/01.html

Methodology -- I found the process of creating Flash animations to be far more challenging than I anticipated. The software is very sophisticated, and not always intuitive, a combination that can become overwhelming at times. I strongly suggest that anyone new to Flash do one or all of the following: invest time in going through the training exercises provided with the software; purchase a user's guide (I relied heavily upon Katherine Ulrich's Visual Quickstart Guide to Flash 5); take a class; and/or find a colleague to swap notes with. The end results, however, are very satisfying animations that are easy to publish on the web and should enhance student comprehension of dynamic biological processes.

Assessment -- Informal observers have found the animation easy to understand. Formal assessment has not yet been conducted because my developmental biology course is offered in spring semesters. Upon incorporation of the animation into the course, student assessment will be posted on this web site.