A Pilot Evaluation of an Online Tool Designed to Aid Development of Basic Laboratory Skills

Exploring the use of virtual laboratory simulations before, during, and postCOVID‐19 recovery phase: An Animal Biotechnology case study

“…Many studies have found little difference in learning outcomes between students who perform virtual lab experiments and those who have done the real lab work. 2 , 3 There are substantial educational benefits to be realized when high‐quality virtual laboratory tools are fully integrated alongside traditional laboratory sessions within curricula, each complementing, reinforcing, and enhancing the learning from the other. 4 However, some studies have claimed that they do not provide hands‐on experience of individual techniques or training in the use of individual items of equipment, health, and safety or promote awareness of ethical issues.…”

“…They facilitate active, enquiry‐based learning rather than the passive, protocol driven learning normally found in traditional laboratories, are low cost and enable students to learn in their own time and pace. Many studies have found little difference in learning outcomes between students who perform virtual lab experiments and those who have done the real lab work 2,3 . There are substantial educational benefits to be realized when high‐quality virtual laboratory tools are fully integrated alongside traditional laboratory sessions within curricula, each complementing, reinforcing, and enhancing the learning from the other 4 .…”