The COVID-19 pandemic forced the adoption of online laboratories. The present article discusses the virtual laboratories used by students. The questions posed by students provided targeted teaching opportunities.

With the global increase of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, there is an urgent need for new methods of tackling the issue. Genomic analysis of bacterial strains can help to understand their virulence and antibiotic resistance profile. Bioinformatic skills are in great demand across the biological sciences. We designed…

The study focused on the development of a website that can be used in various fields of science in Junior High School. Particularly, topics that were utilized as part of the re-search report include chromosomes, DNA, and genes for grade 9 learners. This exploratory case study explored learners' engagement and performance on a developed virtual…

Background: Spatial ability has an important place in science education, which is effective in raising future scientists. Although not in large numbers, studies show that teachers' spatial abilities somehow affect their teaching practices in the classroom and thus the spatial abilities of their students. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate…

An augmented reality (AR) application that complements a DNA precipitation experiment has been developed for use on mobile devices. The AR experience provides atomistic detail on the reasoning behind the experimental observations. The development of the application is described, as are the download data. In a pilot survey, the students were asked…

This paper analyzes Sim-Evolution, an educational simulator designed to help teachers presenting three basic principles of the theory of evolution by natural selection (TENS): the trait variation within a population, the heritability of trait variation, and the selective survival based on heritable traits. Sim-Evolution focuses on high school…

In this article, we present the simulation software called Aipotu and we propose a way to use it in order to promote Evolution Learning and Teaching. Through activities, included in a worksheet, students gradually gain new knowledge not only on evolution and its genetic base but on the concept of simulation and scientific modeling as well. Aipotu…

Biology and biochemistry students must learn to visualize and comprehend the complex three-dimensional (3D) structures of macromolecules such as proteins or DNA. However, most tools available for teaching biomolecular structures typically operate in two dimensions. Here, we present protocols and pedagogical approaches for using immersive augmented…

COVID-19 has changed about every aspect of life including how we teach in higher education. Laboratory experiments vital for learning hands-on techniques are limited due to social distancing requirements and increased numbers of distance-learning students. The solution to loss of hands-on activities has been to compensate with virtual laboratory…

The essence of Genetics lies in the understanding of the concepts of Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. Although these ideas are fundamental to the field, they are notoriously difficult to understand and visualize. While simulation-based instructional materials are found to improve the teaching-learning process in science education, little has…

Despite the advantages proffered by technology in science education, little has been done to develop and validate innovative technology-based instructional materials on Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. It is imperative to test any newly generated instructional materials to validate their quality before being widely used. Hence, this study aimed…

The commercialization of virtual reality (VR) hardware has enabled the use of VR as an educational tool. We describe how a VR platform was used to create molecular visualizations using standard PDB files with the purpose of delivering biochemistry and cellular biology lessons for undergraduates. Specifically, we describe two new software modules,…

This article describes the development and assessment of a Nutritional Genomics course, designed to be held in a regular classroom during normal class periods, with few extra costs to the students or the department. The course was run as an upper-level undergraduate and lower-level graduate student course. Student taking the course spent 11 weeks…

The creation and analysis of models is integral to all scientific disciplines, and modeling is considered a core competency in undergraduate biology education. There remains a gap in understanding how modeling activities may support changes in students' neural representations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of simulating a model…

Model-based instruction offers numerous benefits to students, including increased content knowledge and critical thinking. This study explored the differences in the knowledge outcomes and reasoning processes employed by undergraduate students in an introductory biology lab as they constructed, revised, and simulated a computational model of a…