| | FEBRUARY 20248IN MY OPINION In the dynamic landscape of education, technology has become an indispensable tool, revolutionising the way subjects are taught and learned. Following the lockdowns and remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of technology in the classroom has further increased, however, the new avenues for exploration, engagement, and understanding that integration of technology has opened up are yet to be fully realised.Here at Benenden School we are using technology in the Biology classroom not just to deliver content, but to facilitate personalised learning experiences for all students. A Sixth Form project on the spike protein from the SARs-CoV-2 (the Covid-19 virus) highlights such an approach. Students are directed to the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSCB) Protein Databank, a treasure trove for biology students delving into the intricacies of molecular biology. The database provides access to a vast collection of protein structures, offering students the opportunity to explore and analyse the three-dimensional arrangements of molecules. Here, they search for the spike protein of SARs-CoV-2 and find the several structures available. Integrating the RCSB Protein Databank into the curriculum brings a tangible dimension to abstract concepts, allowing students to visualize the structures they study in textbooks. Students can explore the conformational changes in proteins, investigate molecular interactions, and gain insights into the structure-function relationship of biomolecules. This hands-on exploration of real-world data ­ in this case regarding SARs-CoV-2 - encourages independent research and prepares students MAXIMISING TECHNOLOGY IN THE BIOLOGY CLASSROOMBy Marcus J. Allen, Head of Higher Education, Careers and Professional Guidance, Benenden SchoolMarcus J. Allen
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