Integration of Dendrology into eBot (formerly: Herbarium CD)

In this project the dendrological properties and locations of important woody plants in Switzerland will be integrated into the Herbarium CD and made accessible to students. In order to do this the structure of the CD must be adapted and the dendrology data (properties, images) must be prepared, entered in the database and made accessible via the Herbarium CD structure. The CD’s content will also cover the material required for the new botany certificate (BAFU/SBG), and has therefore been extended by around 30 further plant types. The Herbarium CD will also no longer be distributed as a CD-ROM, but downloaded.

• Online availability (www.ebot.ethz.ch)
• Flexible selection process (types) and access (mode) facilitate individual approaches
• Copious illustrations (photos and diagrams)
• Online handbook and glossaries

• New e-learning environment for dendrology (72 domestic woody plant types)
• Online availability (www.ebot.ethz.ch)
• Utilises existing database and interface functions (eBot/Herbar-CD)

• Improved function via matrix structure of dendrology information (compared with tree structure / property continuum of previous botanical content)
• Working with plant properties: new operational options and simplification in in learning and search modes
• Reworking and extension of new dendrology content
• English version for external exchange students

• Good potential for lecture-enhanced independent study
• Operation of properties list is cumbersome
• Great photos, new, standardised comprehensive distribution maps and ecogrammes

• eBot Dendrology augments regular course elements (practicals, excursion) with independent study, either as repetition/in-depth study or independent work (e.g. for exchange students who have missed normal classes)