Open Source software for visual learning

Amino

Amino teaches instant recognition of amino acid structure. Through a series of active learning quizzes you learn to mentally visualize the 20 amino acids, learn their properties, and learn their names in three different formats (full name, three letter, single letter). You can learn them in space filling, ball-and-stick, stick, and wireframe representations. Amino is useful to any student of biochemistry, medicine, or veterinary medicine (as well as other fields). 

Download the Mac version of Amino here.

Download the PC version Amino here.

Click here to get the source C++ code for PC or Mac.

IQ-Functional Groups

IQ-Functional Groups teaches recognition of organic chemistry functional groups. It is useful to any student in organic chemistry who wants to establish a strong foundation in the course. Instructors can assign it use in the first week of class to help students learn fundamental principles needed in the course. A brief introduction to the program is given in the video at the top of the page, and linked here.

Download the PC version of IQ-Functional Groups here.

Download the Mac version of IQ-Functional Groups here.

Click here to get the source C++ code for PC or Mac.

IQ-Life Cycles

IQ-Life Cycles teaches biology students to visualize the life cycles of algae, fungi and land plants. It is useful in both introductory biology courses where students must learn basic land plant life cycles, and also in advanced courses where students need to know the life cycles of fungi and algae. After using the program students will be able to draw the life cycles from memory. Please download the program and read the Help File to see which life cycles are included.

Download the PC version of IQ-Life Cycles here.

Download the Mac version of IQ-Life Cycles here.

Click here to get the source C++ code for PC or Mac.

IQ-Plant Diversity

IQ-Plant Diversity was created to teach the complex terminology of plant morphology. Active learning visual quizzes teach technical terms for the Basidiomycota (club fungi) and the divisions of land plants (mosses through flowering plants). The program is useful in courses that require an understanding of plant diversity.

Download the PC version of IQ-Plant Diversity here.

Download the Mac version of IQ-Plant Diversity here.

Click here to get the source C++ code for PC or Mac.

Create Your Own IQ App

Create your own IQ application by downloading the linked programs and templates and adding your own images. Images are added to the Image folder in jpg format, and a csv (comma separated value) database is created with the image file names (first column), image names (second column), and properties (columns 3 - X). No programming knowledge is required in this process. The datbase.csv template file can be opened and populated in Excel (or any other spreadsheet editor). Download Image Labeler to make these tasks easier.

Download the PC version of IQ (template) here.

Download the Mac version of IQ (template) here.

Click here to get the source C++ code for PC or Mac.

VL-PI (Visual Learning Plant Identification)

VL-PI uses scientifically proven study methods to teach vascular plant recognition in the southeastern United States. We have conducted research to show that the program is effective. You can read our peer-reviewed paper here. Here is what people are saying about the program. 

I can easily say that the software was far more effective than any other study method I have used. – Amy G.

I was amazed and honestly shocked at how quickly I learned the material. I actually learned the material instead of just memorizing it. – Caleb M.

This is the coolest thing I have ever seen. Stella D.

This software is highly innovative, well presented, and a valuable contribution to botanical education – Dr. Gordon Uno

Download the PC version of VL-PI here.

Download the Mac version of VL-PI here.

Click here to get the source C++ code for PC or Mac.

You can add you own images to VL-PI to customize it for your class or region. Learn how at this link.