Thomas Ingebritsen

Associate Professor

Dr. Ingebritsen, Associate Professor, received his B.S. from Oregon State University and his Ph.D. from the Indiana University School of Medicine. After serving in research capacities at Indiana, the University of Dundee (Scotland) and the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine, Dr. Ingebritsen came to Iowa State University as an Assistant Professor in 1986. Since 1995, he has served as the Director of the LAS Center for On-Line Learning (formerly Project BIO). In 2002, Dr. Ingebritsen received the prestigious R1edu Award from a partnership of 33 top North American research universities for his groundbreaking work in distance learning.

Research Description

My research focuses on the application of learning theory and best practices of learning to the development and use of online instructional materials. My current interests are the use of problem-based or case-based learning in an online environment and the use of the online environment to give students more control over their learning and to tailor learning experiences to individual learning styles and academic backgrounds.

As part of this effort we have developed a rich, immersive multimedia case studies learning environment called “Robert’s World” in collaboration with a group from the Department of English. The environment supports learning about genetic diseases & genetic testing. It is conceived as a city with six interactive locations: Robert’s home, a genetic counselor’s office, a genetic testing lab, Robert’s place of employment (airport), insurance company and a library. Students learn not only about the science but also the human impacts of genetic diseases & genetic testing.

Contact Information:

640 Science Hall II

Ames, IA 50011-3223

515-294-9432 voice

515-294-8457 fax

Education:

B.S., Oregon State University, 1968

Ph.D., Indiana University School of Medicine, 1979

• Ingebritsen, T.S. and Cheaney, J.D.. 2000. Problem-based Learning in an On-line Course: A Case Study. Distance Learning 2000, Madison, Wisconsin (Volunteer presentation) .
• Ingebritsen, T.S. and Flickinger, K.. 1998. Development and Assessment of Web Courses That Use Streaming Audio and Video Technologies. 14th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin .
• Shih, C.-C., Ingebritsen, T., Pleasants, J., Flickinger, K., and Brown, G.. 1998. Learning Strategies and Other Factors Influencing Achievement via Web Courses. 14th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, Madison, Wisconsin .
• Ingebritsen, T.S. and Cheaney, J.D.. 1998. Problem-based Learning in an On-line Course: A Case Study. WebNet98, Orlando, Florida (Volunteer presentation) .
• Ingebritsen, T., Brown, G., Pleasants, J. and Andrews, R.. 1997. Teaching Biology on the Internet. WebNet 97, Toronto, Ontario, Canada .