Anthony
Fini
February
19, 2013
Assignment
1- Web 2.0 Review
SEYS
753
Name: Zygote Body
URL: http://www.zygotebody.com/
1)
Brief Description:
Zygote Body was once known as Google Body. It was a project started by
Google labs before they were shut down. Zygote Media Group, Inc., a company
founded in 1994 and well known for creating 3D anatomical products, started to
maintain Google Body under the name of Zygote Body. Zygote body is a free web
application that allows students to interactively explore a full 3D model of a
male or female human body.
2) Target
Audience:
Zygote body would be useful to
elementary and secondary school students. This web application can be used on a
basic (elementary) level in order to identify body systems or more specifically
certain parts of body systems. In comparison, Zygote body could be used by a
more advanced secondary school student in order to identify specific organs,
pathways, or bones. The program provides versatility for all levels of
students.
3) What is the
purpose of the software? How does it work?
The purpose of this software is to
act as a 3D model of the male and female body. The user can use a series of
sliders (vertical or horizontal, depending on the isolation of each body system
you would like) on the left side tool bar. Each slider has the ability to
control its respective body system by slowly making it transparent. Also,
included on the side tool bar are directional buttons and magnification
buttons. These tools will allow the user to rotate the 3D model vertically or
horizontally 360 degrees. This movement allows investigation of the whole body.
In addition, if you wanted to focus on a specific body part you can use the
search bar located in the upper right corner of the screen. The user can also
control the orientation of the body.
4) Describe the
user interface. Is it easy or difficult to use? Why or why not?
The user interface of Zygote Body
becomes easier with use and time. In the beginning it takes a little time to
get used to what the application has to offer and how to use the different
directional buttons. I think in the beginning it may be a little difficult to
use because there is not step by step tutorial. Students at the elementary
school level looking to explore the body and its systems may find this
information to be too detailed and hard to understand. Students at the
secondary level may find this application easier to understand and use.
5) Technical
requirements. Does it work on Windows, Apple and Linux? Are there
minimum memory requirements, software that needs to be installed?
Zygote Body is compatible with Windows,
Apple, and Linux as long as they run one of the following browsers: Safari,
Chrome, Mozilla, and Opera. There are no minimum requirements or software
needed to be installed because this is a web application that runs solely
through your internet browser. Zygote Body would work better if the computer
was up to date and newer because the webGL program taps into the power of the
GPU in order to render its 3D graphics.
6) What browsers
does it work with? Does it require Javascript, Java, ActiveX, Flash,
Shockwave or plugins?
Zygote Body should work on any webGL
enabled browser (Safari, Chrome, Mozilla, and Opera). From my research Zygote
Body would run best on an updated version of Chrome or Mozilla. Although
compared to its original design (Google Body), Zygote Body runs a bit slower.
Zygote body does require both a webGL internet browser and javascript. No other
plugins or add on necessary.
7) What are the
strengths of this software application?
Zygote
Body:
-
Is FREE! With quick and easy access via a WebGL enabled browser.
-
Provides Human Anatomical information for both genders
-
Can be manipulated/tailored to specific Human Anatomical lessons
-
Uses anatomically correct visuals and enable students to self-explore body
systems at home
-
May be used as a great classroom interactive activity/review
8) What are the
weaknesses of this software application?
-
Although there are no initial requirements for this web application to work, it
is important to have an updated PC. (The school provided laptops are too slow
to handle this program).
-
It could be advanced to become a much greater application which can be used on
all levels of education, even college.
9) Provide at
least three examples of how you might use this in your science teaching.
- First, I would like to use this
program as an introduction to the body systems. At first the student would
thing this was both cool and interesting. It may seem like a lot of information
at once but student would be able to get familiar with the body underneath the
skin.
- Secondly, I could use this
application while teaching all of the body systems. Zygote Body would allow me
to isolate each body system to point out and identify certain key points. It
would add the much needed visual students need to see how all body systems work
together.
- Lastly, students could manipulate
this program at home free of charge in order to discover on their own. In
addition, students can investigate which systems or parts of systems can be
affected but non-threatening.
- While I teach my body systems, I
also like to cover commonly heard of and seen disorders. I could use Zygote
Body to show my students what part of the Body System is actually affected.
10) Include any
tips for science teachers.
Science teachers should investigate to
make sure this program works on school provided computers. Also, science
teachers could use this in class on a smartboard in order to enhance classroom
discussion and get students involved in the lesson. Students would be able to
approach the board and manipulate the program first hand using their hands. The
3D model would be manipulated using their judgment to help explain classroom
topics.
11) Any other
comments
Zygote Body does not have a free
application for androids or apple products. Zygote body is a great tool but so
much more could be done with it. One suggestion would be to include
explanations/descriptions of individual parts of body systems, their anatomical
positions using anatomical words, and be able to choose a level of difficulty
(elementary, secondary, or post-secondary)