Integrating biotechnology and bioinformatics in education: development of an anti-cancer e-module based on in-silico research

The tremendous advancement of biotechnology, along with bioinformatics, underscores the necessity of acquiring innovative knowledge that connects contemporary scientific concepts with students’ higher-order cognitive abilities. This research seeks to create an e-module utilizing the Hannafin and Peck instructional paradigm, encompassing the steps of requirements analysis, design and implementation. The initial needs analysis revealed that, despite the majority of students having access to digital devices and the internet, their comprehension of modern biotechnology and in-silico methods remained inadequate, whereas their interest in learning biotechnology integrated with bioinformatics was substantial. The e-module was created using the Canva and Heyzine platforms, incorporating contextual learning activities, assessments and ethical considerations in biotechnology. The evaluations from experts in language, content and media indicate that this e-module possesses exceptional quality. Furthermore, following the evaluation of this e-module’s efficacy, it demonstrably enhanced students’ critical thinking abilities in comparison to traditional learning methods. This is proven by the results of the mean score increased from 66.33 in the pre-test to 86.02 in the post-test, with a normalized gain of 60. In the other hand, this study’s findings validate the originality of e-modules that incorporate in-silico anti-cancer research as a novel educational instrument, highlighting their potential to connect advancements in current biotechnology with biology education in schools.