2.3 Integrating virtual labs and OERs
Watch
Watch the video above, where Jean Claude Dushimimana will present you with an overview of the key steps in planning for the integration of virtual labs and open educational resources in STEAM teaching.
Read
Read the following chapter on integrating virtual labs and OER in STEAM education.
Hands-on-Learning in Teaching of Science: Virtual Labs and Simulations
https://pressbooks.pub/scienceinnovativepedagogies/chapter/chapter-2/
Review
For a closer look at the integration of virtual labs into STEAM teaching, particularly where resources may be limited, review the document below.
Integration of Virtual Labs in Teaching-Learning
https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2025/1/36146.pdf
Explore · optional
Visit one (or more) of the following repositories. Select any resource or lesson plan based on the current topic you are teaching and explore whether you think it can help your students comprehend STEAM concepts easily.
MERLOT Virtual Labs Collection
https://www.merlot.org
Open Educational Resources Hub
https://library.csi.cuny.edu/oer/virtuallabs-simulations
ORISE Free STEM Lesson Plans
https://orise.orau.gov/k12/teachers/lesson-plans.html
CK-12 Foundation
https://www.ck12.org/teacher/
Respond
Now that you know more about virtual labs and simulations, it's time to make a commitment in Forum 2.3 by outline one action you'll take to explore or integrate a virtual lab or simulation into your own teaching. You might want to glance back over the article you read in the Review activity above before answering this question.
Then respond to at least one post. Look for potential challenges your fellow participants might face and try to solve those challenges together.