Novel Technological Approaches for Pedagogy in Forensic Science: A Case Study in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

ABSTRACT

This article explores the integration of innovative technologies into forensic science training initiatives and their effect on student engagement and depth of learning. Novel situation-oriented teaching practices were researched and implemented with the goal of enhancing the quality of practitioner forensic science training. Specifically, a basic bloodstain pattern analysis course was designed to provide and test technological-pedagogical innovations. University student surveys suggest that a combination of technologies that disentangle the complications of a crime scene is a reliable, engaging and effective approach for detailed training in bloodstain pattern analysis.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensic science
• bloodstain pattern analysis
• pedagogy
• training
• technology

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Trent University 2016 FRSC 4111 Basic Bloodstain Pattern Analysis class for anonymously participating in the survey and their frank assessment of the course.