LabMate: Development and Implementation of a Novel Livestreaming Platform for Hybrid or Remote Laboratory Course...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering Education
• Remote Learning Technologies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, presenting challenges for practical laboratory courses.
• Biomedical engineering laboratory courses require innovative solutions for effective remote or hybrid delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and assess LabMate, a novel mobile, multi-view livestreaming platform for remote delivery of an introductory biomedical engineering laboratory class.
• To evaluate student and instructor perceptions of LabMate's effectiveness, engagement, and overall experience.

Main Methods:

• Development and deployment of LabMate, a mobile, multi-view livestreaming platform.
• Assessment through surveys of student and instructor participants regarding hardware and experience.
• Focus groups with students to compare LabMate with previous online lab experiences.

Main Results:

• Surveys indicated overall positive reception, with suggestions for improving audio and video quality.
• Students and instructors favored synchronous online delivery over make-up labs.
• Focus groups revealed LabMate was more engaging and enjoyable than prior remote lab methods.

Conclusions:

• LabMate offers a dynamic and engaging remote learning experience for biomedical engineering students.
• The platform facilitates the development of core competencies in a remote setting.
• LabMate is preferred over other online lab delivery methods, enhancing student learning and engagement.