Evaluating the effectiveness of virtual laboratory simulations for graduate-level training in genetic methodologies

Virtual Labs (vLabs) have been gaining popularity in high school and undergraduate education, but there are few studies looking at their use in graduate-level courses. In this study, we investigated the use of six Labster vLabs assigned as homework in a graduate-level in-person Genomic Methodologies course at the University of Toronto. This course teaches the theory and practice of molecular biology relevant to genetic testing, focusing on computational techniques used to analyze genetic data. The course does not contain a wet-lab component; therefore, we evaluated whether vLabs could complement the dry-lab course components to provide a realistic experience of laboratory techniques and improve content understanding. We evaluated the addition of vLabs with one cohort of 14 students using assessment-informed data, student perception questionnaires, and think-aloud interviews. We found that engaging with vLabs resulted in a knowledge gain for most (89%) graduate students. Students (85%) found vLabs to be useful to understand the theory behind advanced laboratory concepts; however, many students (54%) were critical of vLabs ability to provide a realistic laboratory experience. We also investigated whether the student experience differs when performing Labster vLabs on a laptop versus a virtual reality headset and found that the headset provided no additional benefits to students. We show that vLabs can be effectively used in graduate-level courses to provide students with background relevant to laboratory techniques; however, the level of material could be enhanced to provide a more detailed and advanced understanding of the concepts for students with prior knowledge of the topic.