Avida-ED is a digital evolution software environment designed
for teaching and learning about evolution and the nature of science
in biology courses (Pennock 2007). In the same way, Avida-ED is a
model system for observing evolution in action in the laboratory
and classroom.
Limitations of evolutionary simulations in Avida-EDAvida-ED:
- Evolution is one of the most difficult and controversial topics
to teach in the biological sciences.
- Based on research concerning evolutionary instruction, it is
thought that students have difficulty with both the understanding
and the acceptance of evolutionary theory; and a greater degree of
acceptance sometimes does not result in increased understanding,
and vice versa (Sinatra et al., 2003).
- The implementation of the innovative evolution simulation
program Avida-ED, which allows students to manipulate organisms in
an experimental setting, would increase and enhance introductory
biology students’ understanding and retention of evolutionary
concepts.
- Results demonstrate significant increases in the ability of
these students to recall and retain important evolutionary
concepts.