Cutting edge technology in the form of a CD-ROM was developed so students in the animal science reproduction class could see the inner workings of animal reproduction from inside the classroom. 

The animal reproduction class (ANSI 3443) relies on visual materials to illustrate the reproductive pathways in lecture and lab. Both a student and an instructor version of a multimedia presentation were created on a CD-ROM to allow any person with an interest in animal reproduction to visualize the complexities of animal reproduction. 

It all started three years ago, when Rodney Geisert was teaching his animal science class using traditional transparencies for his lectures and notes. Geisert decided to go beyond the common and dive into modern technology, so students would be able see inside the animal. He converted his lecture series to a highly interactive CD-ROM called "Learning Reproduction in Farm Animals" and has been using the CD for three semesters. 

"It is a guide for a course," Geisert said. He emphasized that the CD is designed to be a teaching aid and not a self taught course. He said textbooks and teachers won't be replaced with modern technology, because interaction with people is a vital part of the learning process. 

With the support from people in agricultural communications services and animal science computer support, 48 videos were incorporated into 17 chapters of animal reproduction, including the anatomy and physiology of cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry and companion animals. 

"I think the CD is really neat...and it's beneficial. When you go back through your notes, it's exactly what he put up on the screen," said Brandy Leach, animal science senior.

The videos show modern technology used to perform artificial insemination, detect heat and collect semen. Actual reproductive tracts of the animals are used for students to view and identify specific parts during the lab portion of the class. Animation is used to take students inside a live animal to observe the functioning reproductive tracts.

"You don't have to see the animals in real life. You can just look at the slides," said Carrianne Testerman, animal science senior. 

Graphic design senior Randy Bradley developed the animation. Although Bradley is not an animal science student, he learned a great deal about animal reproduction and said students will benefit from the CD because it is a new visual way of presenting lecture material. 

"It's not like you're going to fall asleep during it," Bradley said. 

Larry Burditt, systems analyst, worked on the technical aspects of putting the CD together and said it is a better way to present the material in the classroom.

"The CD is a more visual, interactive way to learn than just the traditional text book," Burditt said. 

The OSU Board of Regents recognized the CD in October 1999. Geisert received the Regents Instructional Technology Excellence Award in October. The award recognizes professors who strive to use new technology in most aspects of their curriculum and is one of the highest honors a teacher can earn. 

Kathy Conry and Kevin Gragg from agricultural communications services produced the videos for the CD and are truly excited about its use in the classroom. This is the first time the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources integrated video into a large multimedia project. 

"It was really neat in that we've never done anything like that before," Conry said. Even though "Learning Reproduction in Farm Animals" was the first leap into this type of technology, two other CDs are in production, she said.

If you are interested in "Learning Reproduction in Farm Animals," call (405) 744-3727. The student version can be purchased for $49.95 or the instructor version for $199.95. 

Clicking the mouse will not only enable students to bring the barnyard into the classroom, but it will let them inside the world of any visual subject being taught in the classroom today.