Broader incorporation of bioinformatics in education: opportunities and challenges

The major opportunities for broader incorporation of bioinformatics in education can be placed into three general categories: general applicability of bioinformatics in life science and related curricula; inherent fit of bioinformatics for promoting student learning in most biology programs; and the general experience and associated comfort students have with computers and technology. Conversely, the major challenges for broader incorporation of bioinformatics in education can be placed into three general categories: required infrastructure and logistics; instructor knowledge of bioinformatics and continuing education; and the breadth of bioinformatics, and the diversity of students and educational objectives. Broader incorporation of bioinformatics at all education levels requires overcoming the challenges to using transformative computer- requiring learning activities, assisting faculty in collecting assessment data on mastery of student learning outcomes, as well as creating more faculty development opportunities that span diverse skill levels, with an emphasis placed on providing resource materials that are kept up-to-date as the field and tools change.