Case Study: Using H5P to design and deliver interactive laboratory practicals.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science Education
• Digital Learning Technologies

Background:

• Traditional laboratory practicals are a key component of Biomedical Cell Biology education.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the exploration of online alternatives for practical assessments.
• Assessing the efficacy of digital tools in science education is crucial for future pedagogical development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive online alternative to a laboratory practical using HTML5P (H5P) content.
• To compare student attainment and learning experiences between traditional laboratory classes and the H5P online module.
• To determine if H5P impacts student grades and overall satisfaction in a university setting.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design comparing three student cohorts: traditional labs, labs with video support, and H5P online alternative.
• Analysis of student grades and assessment outcomes across the three cohorts.
• Collection and analysis of student feedback regarding their learning experience.

Main Results:

• Students utilizing the H5P online alternative achieved comparable assessment outcomes to those in traditional laboratory classes.
• No significant disadvantage was observed for students using the H5P module.
• Student feedback indicated a positive learning experience, with a trend towards higher first-class marks.

Conclusions:

• HTML5P (H5P) provides a viable and effective online alternative for assessed laboratory practicals in Biomedical Cell Biology.
• The H5P framework can enhance the student learning experience and serve as a valuable supplement to traditional teaching methods.
• Digital learning tools like H5P demonstrate potential to augment and diversify science practical education in higher education.