Singapore is full of hidden – and not-so-hidden – flora and fauna treasures which fail to capture the attention of the most dominant species on the island. This is a precarious situation, as this lack of awareness has been and still is leading to the destruction of habitats and of numerous species. Sadly, this includes both well-known species and those we will never have the opportunity to discover.

Natural Heritage of Singapore courseware. Click for a larger screenshot.

SSS1207 Natural Heritage of Singapore has been introduced to help stem this tide of ignorance and indifference. The module is designed to educate students about our abundant and unique natural heritage. Through appreciating and understanding our local biodiversity, the module aims to build a framework with which the students can problematize global conservation and environmental issues.

The Centre for Instructional Technology, in close collaboration with staff from the Department of Biological Sciences, have developed a new courseware which is integral to the module. The Natural Heritage of Singapore courseware will enable students to learn about eight different habitats - some familiar, some unusual - in Singapore. They are Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Labrador Park, Kent Ridge Park, Tanah Merah, Pulau Ubin, the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Underwater World.

Each habitat will consist of a databank of organisms which populate it. Every organism will have a minimum of four important details – the common name, the scientific (Latin) name, identification guidelines and general notes including ecology, stories, facts and figures.

Content management interface for TAs. Click for a larger screenshot.

Most courseware requires content experts to hand developers the course content and materials, such as those described previously, prior to development. However, this courseware is unique as it acts as a simple web-based content management system which allows Teaching Assistants (TAs) to upload the latest course content and photos of the various plant and animal species. According to Dr Peter Alan Todd, one of the instructors for the module, the TAs found it easy to upload materials and format them for publishing to the courseware.

The Natural Heritage of Singapore courseware acts as a starting point - a virtual field trip - from which students can engage in independent learning and self-discovery. With the information from the courseware, provided by the dedicated TAs, students must seek out the plants and animals featured in the courseware on their own.

Besides the databank, students can also access information on travel directions to the various habitats, things to bring, and health and safety precautions. This information is summarized in a printed handout which equips the students amply to begin their nature exploration.