DNA Interactive

Talk about mixed blessings: DNA Interactive is a veritable cornucopia of information, graphics, expert testimony, and historical detail regarding the far-reaching subject of DNA…but it's also a disjointed, ill-conceived DVD that consists entirely of video clips and sound bites removed from any larger, educational context. The title, at least, is honest, as this is neither a documentary nor a linear history of DNA; rather, it's a vast compendium of interactive material (a study guide on steroids, if you will) designed for random access and based on a menu-tree of general categories ("DNA Molecule," "DNA in Action," "Ethics & Implications," etc.). Intended as a multimedia resource for high school and introductory college biology classes, the DVD would certainly provide valuable support for a conventional program or course on DNA, but as a standalone learning tool it's a frustrating experience, since all of the material has been sliced and diced into isolated pieces, with no logical flow or cumulative impact. Fortunately there is a larger teaching context to support this DVD, namely, the DNA Interactive website (www.dnai.org) and the DNA Learning Center (www.dnalc.org), so it's possible that some teachers may find this DVD a welcome addition to science curricula. Optional. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)