Alistair,
In asking a question like that, it helps a lot to specify exactly what
you want to use these CD-ROM's or software for. Is this for in-class
instruction, homework, study aids? Anyway, here's what I know.
I don't think I know of any windows cd-rom's for biology, although I
know there are some of them out there. I would guess that 90% are
junk, from a serious biology perspective. If you find any that are
worthwhile, I would be interested in knowing about them (see below).
If you can use videodisks, there is probably much more worthwhile stuff
available. In particular, you might write to Carol Ann Paul at
Wellesley College or Graham Kent at Smith college and ask for their
NECUSE Biology Software Reviews, which in the back contains a list of
videodisks. There are also some very nice videotapes showing different
aspects of biology. Two real good ones for cell biology are by Rachael
Fink, one called A Dozen Eggs, and another which is just coming out
now, both from Sinauer and Associates (I believe).
I also am creating a FAQ on biology education software. A preliminary
version of the FAQ appeared a couple weeks ago on this board, and I'll
release the next version within a few days. If you find some good
CD-ROM's I would be interested in adding them to the FAQ.
Thanks, good luck.
Eli Meir
Dept of Zoology, Univ of Washington
meir at zoology.washington.edu
