In this second module, you'll focus on leveraging virtual labs, simulations, and open educational resources (OER) available through PhET and other platforms for enhanced learning experiences.

You'll examine how virtual labs and simulations will enable your students to visualise and explore STEAM concepts and promote active learning. Again, we'll showcase practical applications in teaching, emphasizing the value of OER, freely available through Creative Commons licensing.

At the end of this module's activities, you will be able to:

  • describe the main characteristics of virtual labs and simulations,
  • explain how virtual labs and simulations can enhance teaching and learning in STEAM subjects,
  • develop a strategy for integrating virtual labs, simulations, and other open educational resources (OER) into your own teaching, and
  • compare different virtual lab platforms in terms of usability and range of applications.

There are four discussion forums for this module, where you'll be asked:

  • which are more likely to be used in teaching your subject area: virtual labs, simulations, or both?
  • what is one key concept in your own teaching that could be better explained through a virtual lab or simulation?
  • what is one action you'll take to explore or integrate a virtual lab or simulation into your teaching?
  • what is the most surprising insight you've gained about virtual labs and simulations?

Join a Community of Practice

Beyond the lesson forums, it's time now (if you haven't already) to join a community of practice or CoP!

Your CoP is where you'll work with your colleagues and one or two of our subject experts to dig more deeply into real problems within your discipline and develop solutions together.

The conversations you'll have within your CoP will go far beyond the lesson forums, lasting over the full length of the course, and they are your opportunity to get the best, most specialized insights to improve your own teaching practice and make the deepest, most meaningful contributions to the practice of others.

Select the CoP that is closest to your own discipline or where you have an interest in the subject. You can join more than one!

Biology CoP  Chemistry CoP  Physics CoP  Mathematics CoP  Arts and non-STEM CoP

As before, click the Next button to begin Module 2.

Last modified: Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 2:53 PM