Dr. Manuela Tripepi, an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, presented at ASMCUE 2022 about the use of laboratory simulations as pre-lab activities. This microbrew entitled “Using Laboratory Simulations as Pre-lab Activity” was an overview of how Tripepi used Labster videos during the pandemic in unique ways. Tripepi asked: do students learn and read the written pre-lab? Tripepi uses the Labster safety simulation to get students engaged and acquainted with equipment and safety. Tripepi also uses the Gram stain Labster video to explain and reinforce concepts from the process. I appreciate how Tripepi connects videos to in-person or real-life scenarios. Tripepi also polled students and did research to determine how to improve the pre-lab activities with Labster. Students with Tripepi work with the lab simulations and in the lab. Tripepi also explained how they applied for an internal grant and then their campus adopted Labster for a three-year pilot. During the discussion, there were questions about cost and the grading of pre-labs. It was also interesting to learn how the LMS integration of Labster allows instructors to learn who completed the simulations. One participant asked if Labster allows for non-linear procedures and feedback. Tripepi explained that the simulations provide feedback and repetition until the participant completes the task. The simulations seem to last up to thirty minutes. Participants also have to respond to questions embedded in the simulation. Tripepi published their work on Labster pre-labs in the themed issue of JMBE.
