Investigating Student Engagement and Making Science Real during a Pandemic: Bioskills at Home, a Case Study

Rayment, Sarah J.; Garrie, Karin; Kaur, Ishwinder; McVicker, Gareth; Storey, Emma; Winter, Jody; Girolamo, Luigi De; Rimmer, Callum; Negus, David; Nelson, Carl H.; Thomas, John K.; Loughlin, Michael; Dale, Jess

doi:10.3390/educsci12020106

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 26 publications

(29 reference statements)

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“…Students could use the equipment and activities in this kit to practise key skills like pipetting, data handling, experimental design, and microscopy, but also build virtual peer-learning communities via discussion forums and microscopy competitions that motivated them to investigate their local surrounding ecology. This has increased engagement, increased self-assurance in crucial practical skills and achieved equal learning outcomes compared to pre-pandemic sessions (68).…”

Section: Rethinking Biosciences Laboratory Practical Project and Plac...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Teaching and Learning of Biosciences in a Digital World: Challenges and Effective Teaching Strategies During and After Covid-19 Pandemic

Cheema¹,

Othman²,

Sarchio³

et al. 2022

MJMHS

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The global pandemic of COVID-19 has had a huge influence on bioscience education in which digital technology and transformation has gained momentum and this pattern appears to be set to persist for the foreseeable future. Adopting new technology and changing biosciences education models, processes, and procedures has posed challenges to all stakeholders within the ecosystem. Aside from the move to online or distance learning, bioscience courses in higher education also necessitate the development of critical practical skills, which is yet to be fully addressed in digital platform context. This article examines the challenges and issues that biosciences education faces, as well as the tactics, methodologies, and alternatives that have been employed in the present pandemic context to reform biosciences education to enhance its resiliency and sustainability. This article also defines effective teaching criteria in biosciences education and considers whether higher education institutions can use virtual learning to offer the newest bioscience skills and knowledge to be future-proof and job-ready.

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Section: Rethinking Biosciences Laboratory Practical Project and Plac...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Teaching and Learning of Biosciences in a Digital World: Challenges and Effective Teaching Strategies During and After Covid-19 Pandemic

Cheema¹,

Othman²,

Sarchio³

et al. 2022

MJMHS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Experiences of Using a Real Compound Microscope and a Virtual Compound Microscope in Understanding Plant Tissues by First-year Life Science Students at a Tertiary Institution in South Africa

Momoti,

Boateng,

Sihele

2024

EHASS

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During the COVID-19 outbreak, the majority of tertiary institutions preferred virtual laboratories to face-to-face laboratories which posed a challenge to many students. The objective of the study was to examine students’ experiences at a higher institution using both a physical and virtual microscope. This qualitative study involved ten randomly chosen first-year Life Science students. They had to prepare and view onion cells under a real microscope, while the second assignment required them to observe onion cell preparation in a virtual laboratory. Students completed a questionnaire containing open-ended questions. The results were analyzed using themes, and the study found that pupils prefer physical microscopes to virtual microscopes. This is because students interact with the equipment in the laboratory, which encourages intellectual interests, knowledge sharing, and the development of social connections. Students can manipulate actual objects, manually focus microscopes, and interact in real time with microscopic worlds. This hands-on expertise is critical for instructing students and researchers on laboratory practices. Real microscopes are versatile pieces of equipment that can be utilized for a wide range of applications, from basic instruction to advanced research. Although virtual microscopes have advanced in terms of image quality, real microscopes provide better resolution and clarity. The study will make a substantial addition to university laboratory pedagogies and expose students to scientific investigations, given the majority of students come from rural schools with limited laboratory equipment such as microscopes. Keywords: Physical Microscope, Virtual Microscope, Experiences, Intellectual Interest, Social Interactions

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Investigating Student Engagement and Making Science Real during a Pandemic: Bioskills at Home, a Case Study

Cited by 2 publications

References 26 publications

Teaching and Learning of Biosciences in a Digital World: Challenges and Effective Teaching Strategies During and After Covid-19 Pandemic

Teaching and Learning of Biosciences in a Digital World: Challenges and Effective Teaching Strategies During and After Covid-19 Pandemic

Experiences of Using a Real Compound Microscope and a Virtual Compound Microscope in Understanding Plant Tissues by First-year Life Science Students at a Tertiary Institution in South Africa

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