Dataset Information

Minds at Play: Using an Online Protein Folding Game, FoldIt, To Support Student Learning about Protein Folding, Structure, and the Scientific Process.

ABSTRACT: Structure-function relationships of biological molecules are foundational to undergraduate biology education. In this article and supplemental information, an in-class activity is presented that uses a freely available online game to visualize the nature of chemical bonds as they relate to protein folding and structure. Activity questions and discussion guide students through a consideration of common structural elements as well as the nature of the scientific process. The activity was used in a lab section but could also work as a homework assignment. Student comments from a survey at the end of the course were overwhelmingly positive and indicated the activity helped them appreciate the complexity of protein folding as well as the scientific processes used to solve protein structures.

SUBMITTER: Achterman RR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6914346 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Minds at Play: Using an Online Protein Folding Game, FoldIt, To Support Student Learning about Protein Folding, Structure, and the Scientific Process.

Achterman Rebecca Rashid RR

Journal of microbiology & biology education 20191218 3

Structure-function relationships of biological molecules are foundational to undergraduate biology education. In this article and supplemental information, an in-class activity is presented that uses a freely available online game to visualize the nature of chemical bonds as they relate to protein folding and structure. Activity questions and discussion guide students through a consideration of common structural elements as well as the nature of the scientific process. The activity was used in a ...[more]

PMID: 31890076

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Project description:ObjectivesTo determine the feasibility and acceptability of 'ACTing Minds', a novel single-player adventure video game based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).DesignA single-arm, mixed-methods repeated measures feasibility study.SettingIntervention and questionnaires were completed at home by participants. Semistructured interviews were also conducted at home via the Zoom platform.ParticipantsThirty-six participants were recruited into the study, 29 completed all phases of the feasibility design. Eligibility criteria required participants to be over the age of 18 and self-reporting experiencing ongoing depression, anxiety or stress.InterventionParticipants completed a single session of the 'ACTing Minds' video game, lasting approximately 1 hour, designed to educate users on key principles from ACT.Primary outcome measuresParticipant recruitment and retention, questionnaire completion, long-term intervention adherence and acceptability of the intervention. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on semistructured interviews run immediately postintervention and 3 weeks later.Secondary outcome measuresMeasures of depression, anxiety, stress, psychological flexibility, social connectedness and well-being were assessed at baseline, immediately following intervention completion, and after a 3-week follow-up period. We used a standardised battery of questionnaires.Primary resultsTwenty-nine participants completed the study. A reflexive thematic analysis indicated that participants responded positively to the intervention and the study at all stages. Themes reflect participants' desire for an engaging therapeutic experience, use of game for exploring emotions, as well as their perspectives on how they had applied their learning to the real world.Secondary resultsQuantitative results indicated small to large effect sizes associated with decreases in depression (ηp2 = 0.011), anxiety (ηp2 = 0.096) and stress (ηp2 = 0.108), and increases in psychological flexibility (ηp2 = 0.060), social connectedness (ηp2 = 0.021), well-being (ηp2 = 0.011) and participation in usual activities (ηp2 = .307).ConclusionsImplementation of the 'ACTing Minds' intervention is warranted, based on both qualitative and quantitative outcomes.Trial registration numberNCT04566042 ClinicalTrials.gov.

Dataset Information

Minds at Play: Using an Online Protein Folding Game, FoldIt, To Support Student Learning about Protein Folding, Structure, and the Scientific Process.

Publications

Minds at Play: Using an Online Protein Folding Game, FoldIt, To Support Student Learning about Protein Folding, Structure, and the Scientific Process.

Similar Datasets

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