| A CD-ROM, available
from Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program, teaches about
water quality, one of the most fundamental areas of aquaculture.
"Testing Dissolved Oxygen Using the Winkler Method" provides
students with instruction on basic water chemistry testing,
which is critical for maintaining healthy fish.
"Dissolved oxygen is the most
important water test conducted on a farm or in an aquaculture
laboratory," says former Sea Grant Aquaculture Specialist LaDon Swann
who developed this tutorial in a CD format. High school
instructors share this opinion, according to Swann.
This interactive disc is a
valuable classroom tool for both vocational agriculture or agri-science
teachers and students. In addition, secondary biology and
chemistry teachers can also appreciate its focus on water
chemistry, according to Swann. Producers new to the field of
aquaculture will also find it helpful.
Use of the CD compliments
students’ experiences in learning aquaculture fundamentals using
small tank systems or a number of aquaria. The CD is a valuable
tool because it provides a self-paced learning experience that
is reinforced through observations, simulations and
practice-and-drill exercises. When students master the technique
for dissolved oxygen testing, they will see results of better
fish health and survival to the market.
The computer-based training uses
over 33 color photographs and two video segments that reinforce
critical aspects of conducting the Winkler testing method. Audio
clips are used to draw attention to important aspects of the
training program.
The CD includes the following
information:
- Introduction to program
objectives and importance of dissolved oxygen
- Gain and loss of dissolved
oxygen in water
- Sampling criteria—time of day
and sample storage
- Testing methods
- Principles and procedures of
the Winkler method
- Methods for regulating
dissolved oxygen
- Quizzes to evaluate students’
knowledge
- Conclusion
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