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Development and Implementation of a Virtual Cell Culture Lab Practical for an Introductory BME Lab Course
Benjamin David1, Faisal Masood1, Karin Jensen1
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL USA.
Biomedical Engineering Education
|April 16, 2024
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted cell culture lab practicals to virtual assessments. This virtual format proved comparable in student performance and offered benefits like reduced stress and cost.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering Education
- Cell Culture Techniques
- Remote Learning Strategies
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid transitions from in-person to remote learning environments.
- Traditional in-person laboratory practicals in science education faced significant disruption.
- Adaptation of hands-on laboratory experiences to virtual formats became crucial for course continuity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt an in-person cell culture laboratory practical for an introductory biomedical engineering course into a virtual assessment.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and student outcomes of the virtual lab practical compared to the traditional in-person format.
- To explore the potential benefits and future applicability of virtual lab practicals in science education.
Main Methods:
- The in-person cell culture lab practical was redesigned as a virtual assessment delivered via a Learning Management System (LMS).
- The virtual practical incorporated video demonstrations, data analysis components, and multiple-choice questions to assess student understanding.
- Student performance metrics, including average scores and grade distributions, were analyzed and compared between virtual and in-person formats.
Main Results:
- Average student scores and grade distributions for the virtual lab practical were comparable to those of previous in-person offerings.
- Instructors reported fewer grading concerns with the virtual practical compared to in-person lab practicals.
- The virtual format demonstrated potential for reduced student stress, lower costs, decreased instructor time, and mitigated equipment limitations.
Conclusions:
- The virtual cell culture lab practical effectively maintained comparable student performance to in-person formats.
- Virtual lab practicals offer significant advantages, including reduced student stress, cost-effectiveness, and efficient resource utilization.
- Developed resources, such as video tutorials and simulators, can be valuable supplements for educators and future course iterations.
