A 3-D interactive microbiology laboratory via virtual reality for enhancing practical skills

Area of Science:

• Microbiology Education
• Virtual Reality in Science
• Medical Laboratory Training

Background:

• Virtual Reality (VR) laboratories are emerging as a pedagogical tool for psychomotor skills development in undergraduate programs.
• VR has been successfully applied in science courses and clinical skills training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a Head-Mounted Display (HMD)-based Virtual Reality (VR) microbiology laboratory for undergraduate students.
• To incorporate student and faculty feedback into the VR laboratory design.

Main Methods:

• An interactive 3D VR laboratory was developed using Unity, simulating a physical laboratory setup.
• Six core microbiology experiments (Gram staining, bacterial streaking, motility, catalase, oxidase, biochemical tests) were implemented.
• First-year biomedical science students evaluated the VR laboratory.

Main Results:

• Student perception of the VR laboratory was positive and encouraging.
• Approximately 70% of students found the VR laboratory safe and engaging, reporting an immersive learning experience.
• Students appreciated the ability to repeat experiments and personalize their learning.

Conclusions:

• The developed VR-based microbiology laboratory provides a safe, immersive, and effective learning environment for undergraduates.
• The VR laboratory was successfully extended to other health professions programs.
• VR laboratories show significant potential for enhancing practical competency in science education.