Williams College Professor Discovers NIA2

May 18, 2008 • Posted by Ann Stuart

Professor Steve Zottoli sent me this email about using NIA2:

I want to share the good news that I followed through on a promise to Ann. When she brought a copy of Neurons in Action to me last summer at the MBL, I promised that I would do more than look at the cover. First, I attended the session that both of you held for the MBL community on Neurons in Action. Second, after your inspiring presentation, I opened the cover and started to read but other obligations took me away from actually playing with the tutorials. Realizing that another year might go by without any follow-through on my part, I decided to use Neurons in Action as the text for my upper level Neurobiology course. This commitment forced me to actually load the CD and start my journey. What fun! In my typical fashion I did not read anything but immersed myself in the tutorials. I quickly realized that I had the power to do experiments that led to more experiments and sometimes questions that I could not easily answer. What more could an experimental scientist wish for!

The students were assigned a tutorial each week that coincided with the lecture material. As questions arose in the classroom concerning my lectures, I challenged the students to answer them by doing experiments with me on the big screen. The students were given challenge questions and were encouraged to use Neurons in Action to answer them (the equivalent of problem sets). My most memorable experience was when a student raised her hand and rather than directing a question to me she asked the question to Neurons in Action!

I wish to congratulate you both on one of the best teaching tools available for neuroscience. I also commend you for providing such an interactive tool for an affordable price. I applaud your selfless dedication to education.