How much do students really retain by simply reading a laboratory protocol? This presentation will provide participants with an overview of a novel laboratory design whereby learning is blended and extended. Prior to lab, students will complete a “choose your own adventure” style online decision tree exercise. In the decision tree students are presented with a scenario, and must execute the experiment through selecting different options (such as quantities of reagent to add, order of steps, and analysis of data). Selections will lead students down different experimental “paths” where they can receive feedback on their choices. The decision tree is a formative assessment that allows students to safely “fail” before attending the wet laboratory session. Participants will learn about the pedagogy behind the course and decision tree design. They will also learn how the decision trees are built and explore the potential of using the “choose your own adventure” style of decision-making for a variety of disciplines. Participants will have the opportunity to try a decision tree exercise and are encouraged to bring their own device.
