Labs can be engaging and just as informative with hands on experience at home as they can be in person. Online learning gives students access to resources they might not have otherwise.
Asynchronous labs offer the advantage of 24/7 access to the students. It is study anytime and anywhere. There are several tools to assist learning such as MERLOT, and SERC. Instructors do not need to feel intimidated when creating a course because there are numerous tools to assist in with the content and process. Instructor, with time, can create a collection of reusable learning objects. It is important to connect theory with the real life experiences. Instructors are responsible for helping students comply with academic deliverables.
Thought this was cool: Missouri of Science and Technology enables its students to build their own microscopes for approximately $10 with the use of a smartphone.
Resources, and clear visuals , help the on ine labs. So important!
I learned how important is to use resources probided by the publishers to include virtual lab and simulation into the online course.
Find simulations for a computer science class may be challenging. One of the ways that I can utilize labs and simulations for my CS classes is to have my students practice algorithms. Finding case that is where they can build apps to solve real-world problems can also be another area off promise.
using free websites for lab practicing might be frustration in cases the websitr stops servicrs
There are many free online virtual resources available. Having lab kits would be helpful.
Virtual labs are possible, but free websites are not always up and running from year to year. The website could be blocked by your district. Purchasing virtual labs is a conversation worth having with your district.
It is important to recognize that labs are possible in an asynchronous learning environment. Whether the instructor wants to conduct labs from a "live" perspective or wants to utilize other educational sites with similar labs conducted by others, labs are possible in an asynchronous environment and can prove to be a valuable learning tool. This is important to remember so that we do not shy away from self-directed learning by believing it is impossible in lab settings.
