1.4 Virtual labs and active learning
Watch
There are various virtual labs that can be used to promote active learning in STEAM teaching. Watch the video above, where one of your instructors, Leonard Nungu distinguishes between simulations and the more complex virtual labs, as well as their advantages and disadvantages when applied to the challenge of active learning.
Read
Were you aware that simulations and virtual labs immerse students in interactive learning, enabling authentic experimentation with instant feedback? Read this resource to find out more about how they enhance comprehension of STEAM concepts, facilitate hands-on practice, and promote inquiry-driven learning, making science engaging and relevant to real-life applications.
Interactive e-Learning Tools and Pedagogy for Engaging STEM Education and Skills Development in the Digital Era: Challenges and Opportunities
https://pure.ulster.ac.uk/ws/files/77750649/19jpic_08_ICDE_WCOL_2019_paper.pdf
Virtual labs also serve as powerful tools in STEAM education, enhancing engagement and visibility of concepts through interactive simulations. Read this source to find our more how they facilitate inquiry-driven learning, allowing students to explore scientific principles in a flexible, technology-mediated environment, thus enriching their educational experience.
Virtual Laboratories in STEM Higher Education: A Scoping Review
https://noredreviews.org/index.php/NJSRE/article/view/5766
Review
Review the potential uses and benefits of a range of virtual labs by browsing the IVLST Demonstration Gallery. Watch one or more demonstrations that would be most relevant to your own teaching or give you insight into a particular platform, such as:
Explore · optional
Explore virtual labs further by reading through the presentation below to learn more about various virtual labs’ features.
Virtual Labs
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Respond
In your review of the video and other materials above, including your time spent browsing the Demonstration Gallery, you've seen just a glimpse of what can be done to enhance teaching and learning through virtual labs and simulations.
In this final discussion forum for the first module, you'll be asked to reflect on what you've seen of virtual labs and simulations so far and describe the potential you see for their use in your own teaching and learning context. Tell us what virtual labs or simulations can do for you.
And then, of course, take some time to build a conversation with your fellow participants. Be sure to review some of the earlier discussions to see how they're progressing as well.
Quiz
When you have completed your readings and other activities for the week, including participating in the forums, you can move on to the quiz for Week 1.
To earn a Certificate of Participation, you will need to complete all five quizzes with a score of 70% for each. You can take each quiz as many times as you need to; your highest score will be the one that is used for your certificate. If you don't pass the quiz on your first try, go back to the materials and then try again.