Peer Review

Microscope Basics

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: This is a 13-minute YouTube video that gives a tutorial in the proper use of a standard compound light microscope. The general focus of the video is on the different parts, their function, and correct use of this microscope. Other topics included are how to calculate total magnification and use of optical lens wipes.
Type of Material:: Video Tutorial
Recommended Uses:: This can be used in lecture, in-class, as homework, and for individual or group projects.
Technical Requirements:: Computer with current browser that can stream YouTube
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Purpose of site is to provide a video tutorial for basic operation and cleaning of a compound microscope. Learners can name the parts, proper handling, and cleaning of the microscope.
Target Student Population:: High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: None

Rating:
Strengths:: Accurate example of proper compound light microscope usage Easy to understand presenter Does a good job going through the steps in a way that would be easy to follow
Concerns:: Little to no information about proper use of the 100x objective with immersion oil. It is mentioned, but not fully demonstrated or discussed. Video is not enough in itself to provide complete demonstration of content. It makes a good basic introduction, but absolutely should be followed by hands-on practice and information about using the 100x objective with immersion oil.

Rating:
Strengths:: Good job showing microscope best practices and also giving tips for how to keep students from going awry when using these types of microscopes. Easy to access, easy to view Can be easily located and assigned to view before a microscope lab
Concerns:: Learning objectives not specifically given other than a statement at the beginning that the point of the video is to given an introduction to the compound light microscope. No prerequisites identified. No way to measure student learning outcomes, no assessment included. Teacher would have to make their own worksheet to accompany the video, or show it in class, to make certain that students take the time to watch it and pay attention

Rating:
Strengths:: Great job showing students multiple views of the process from different angles and at different amounts of close-up vs. far away, giving a very complete view of both what students should do with their hands and what this will allow them to see through the lenses. Provides two views simultaneously (one close up and one full view) as the speaker moves through the parts of the microscope. Includes closed caption English sub-titles that are computer generated, but are of good quality with very few mistakes
Concerns:: No ability to interact with material other than to leave comments, which are unlikely to be responded to in real time, but this is inherent in the YouTube platform and not something specifically negative about the video itself.