 |
 |
Several years ago, Gerd Hombrecher at the Max-Planck-Institut fuer Zuechtungsforschung, Koeln, asked me to come up with an "exhibit" to present a basic introduction to genetics to the widest possible range of people. Judging that human genetics was probably the best bet in terms of appeal, I scripted a version of the fairly "classical" activity in which people complete a computer-questionnaire about their eye-colour, tongue-rolling ability etc. After answering only about ten such questions, you can often find that you are unique among thousands of of other participants. People LIKE to know that they are unique! It is called "Ich bin einmalig" (I am unique) and can be visited on the Web at http://www.mpiz-koeln.mpg.de/~pub/ibe/WEB/attract.htm I added a fairly concise hypertext introduction to human genetics at the end of the questionaire section. This is available in English and German on the web site, but the questionnaire activity is only available in the German option. Apparently, "Ich bin einmalig" continues to be a particularly popular item for visitors to the web site. I also arranged the production of a slicker-looking offline multimedia "kiosk" version, running directly from a PC hard drive, suitable for exhibition use. Since this is not limited by Internet bandwidth, it also includes animation and sound which add considerably to the experience. The idea was to maximise the programming cost-effectiveness by re-using most of the same material in two different ways: for standard exhibition use and also for the Internet. As it turned out, the British multimedia firm I chose to produce the kiosk version really struggled before their Java programming functioned reliably and quickly enough with early Microsoft Internet Explorer browser software. It came out OK in the end, and huge advances over the past few years make similar projects far more straightforward. I still believe there is great potential for combining Web-based and offline multimedia "kiosk" software projects in this way. [log in to unmask] | http://www.interactives.co.uk "Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour. Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime." I said it and I believe it | Ian Russell ----- Original Message ----- From: ray mathias <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, February 25, 2000 4:42 PM Subject: PUS activities and Human Genetics > Dear Colleagues > > I have been asked to review past and current PUS activities in the area of > Human Genetics. Very broad I know. Of particular interest is Human Genomics > but that does not preclude other aspects of genetics. > > No restriction as to audience or delivery method, although web-based > material is of particular interest. > > Any information welcome. > > Thanks > > Ray Mathias > > ***************************************************** > > Dr R J Mathias > Head of Science Communication and Education > > John Innes Centre, > Norwich Research Park, > Colney, > Norwich NR4 7UH > > Direct line: 01603 450640 > Reception: 01603 450000 > Fax: 01603 450015 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%