Interactive Computer Simulations as Pedagogical Tools in Biology Labs

• Published in: CBE life sciences education Vol. 17; no. 3; p. ar46
• Main Authors: Whitworth, Karen, Leupen, Sarah, Rakes, Christopher, Bustos, Mauricio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society for Cell Biology 01.09.2018
• Subjects: Adult; Biology; Biology - education; Cognitive Processes; Computer Simulation; Computer-Assisted Instruction; Control Groups; Creative Activities; Experimental Groups; Female; Humans; Laboratories; Laboratory Experiments; Learning; Male; Outcomes of Education; Pretests Posttests; Psychomotor Skills; Science Instruction; Scores; Students - psychology; Teaching Methods
• ISSN: 1931-7913; 1931-7913
• DOI: 10.1187/cbe.17-09-0208

Student learning in biology may be impaired by instructional environments that emphasize technical methodology over analysis. We hypothesized that time gained by experimenting with accurate computer simulations could be used to engage students in analytical, creative learning. The effects of treatments that combined a week of simulated lab instruction with a week of standard lab instruction in different order (E-to-S and S-to-E) were examined using a controlled experimental design with random assignment of lab sections and hierarchical linear modeling analysis to account for possible clustering within sections. Data from a large sample of students (N = 515) revealed a significant increase (1.59 SD) in posttest scores for both treatment groups over the control. We posit as a plausible explanation the reinforcement of psychomotor learning due to strong engagement of cognitive processes facilitated by the computer simulation. This study supports a wider use of computer simulations as learning tools in laboratory courses.