Incorporating Online Interactive Educational Activities in Animal Science Courses 1

The use of technology inside the classroom is continuously growing and options for learning platforms are increasing. University of Nebraska-Lincoln undergraduate students enrolled in four different Animal Science courses had the opportunity to utilize online interactive activities developed through a software program called SoftChalk. The activities were developed as an additional resource for students to use as a review method on key course concepts. At the completion of the semester, the students were asked to complete a survey on the usefulness of the SoftChalk activities. The survey also assessed the student's overall opinion and perceived effect that activities had on their learning experience. Students (82.68%; n=149) indicated SoftChalk activities helped them retain course material longer. While 85.94% of students noted the activities helped them feel more prepared for the exams and quizzes, only 61.72% of students felt that by completing these activities they had improved their critical thinking skills. Students (83.59%) acknowledged the review activities positively impacted their grade in the course. These interactive learning activities allowed for reevaluation of course material presented in a distinctive way.