Blog Post #9: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

                                
Image: young children sitting at desks with laptops and virtual reality headsets


Virtual reality and augemented reality are the next big thing in classroom technology. And the good news is, it is possible to integrate it without expensive headsets and other special equipment. One option is Labster, a collection of  more than 250 virtual science labs including biology, chemistry, physics, and microbiology. Labster even includes virtual labs for STEM! 

Image from Labster.com featuring VR girl in front of VR lab equipment.


Access to Labster requires a subscription. According to Labster agents, the price ranges from $50 - $100 per student depending on the contract. Once purchased, Labster integrates with multiple learning management systems (LMS), including Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and Google Classroom. Teachers and students also have access to free training and support from the Labster customer support team. Labster also includes translations into Spanish, German, French European, and Italian. The site notes that additional translations are in the works. 

Image from Labster.com featuring VR gloved hand reaching for VR microscope.


Labster simulations come with a large variety of teaching resources. Of course there are interactive experiences and real-life scenarios, but there is also a teacher dashboard for tracking student progress, embedded quizzes for checking for formative and summative assessment, and acccess to Labster's library of animated videos, theory pages, and lab manuals. 

Labster simulations are a great way to introduce students to complex or expensive lab equipment that isn't always accessible in a school lab. Or to use as the basis for a flipped classroom!  Students can practice using lab equipment at home before doing the actualy lab in the classroom. The Labster site has a "Resources" tab with links to their blog, webinars, and a podcast - all of which offer strategies for integrating Labster into the clasroom.  For more information or to get a quote (easy using the Live Chat feature) check out Labster's site: Labster | 250+ virtual labs for universities and high schools

 Follow the links below to access Labster's "How Can I Use Labster's Content In My Class" and "Technology Troubleshooting Guide."

Using Virtual Labs | Guide (labster.com)

https://www.labster.com/guides/tech-troubleshooting/









Comments

  1. Karen MetcalfNovember 18, 2022 at 5:52 PM

    Heather,
    I enjoyed your post. I also researched Labster. I am hoping to see more application in other subject areas besides science. I am constantly amazed by the integration of VR into education, and I really hope to see this technology used more in my district. I know students would appreciate using AR/VR more. It really is the future. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 19, 2022 at 10:23 PM

    I wasn’t familiar with Labster, thanks for sharing. It sounds like a great resource to tap into when working in the sciences. I like your point that it will allow the students to practice before using equipment in the lab, which seems like a great application and layered teaching. Thanks!
    - Marné

    ReplyDelete
  3. Whitney TylerNovember 20, 2022 at 2:40 PM

    Thank you for sharing! Labster is new to me. I think this is an excellent way to teach students about science concepts. Many schools worry about the cost effectiveness of VR technology. Although Labster is a paid resource, I'd imagine that you'd save some money because you don't have to buy lab resources. I know some schools charge a lab fee, the fee could be applied to a Labster subscription. Additionally, this seems like a safer way to conduct experiments. There are pluses and minuses to all VR technologies. This one definitely seems like a plus!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Little Lou LibraryNovember 20, 2022 at 3:05 PM

    Heather,

    This sounds like a great program that can provide students with the learning opportunities that science experiments have to offer without the hassle of setting everything up in the classroom. As you mentioned, this could also open the door to opportunities that many students may not have access to depending on the required equipment, materials, chemicals, funding, and so much more. I also think it is great that these activities could be completed at home and have some progress-monitoring components for teachers. Thanks for sharing!

    -Christina Lunetta

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ella RollingsNovember 20, 2022 at 8:42 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing. My family has a virtual reality system, and the first time I tried it, it honestly scared me! It is amazing how real everything feels. I think this is so cool to do labs through VR. It allows for so many more opportunities in the lab.
    -Ella Rollings

    ReplyDelete

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