文章基本信息

标题：Evaluation of an adaptive virtual laboratory environment using Western Blotting for diagnosis of disease
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作者：Patsie Polly ; Nadine Marcus ; Danni Maguire 等
期刊名称：BMC Medical Education
印刷版ISSN：1472-6920
出版年度：2014
卷号：14
期号：1
页码：1-9
DOI：10.1186/1472-6920-14-222
出版社：BioMed Central
摘要：Providing large numbers of undergraduate students in scientific disciplines with engaging, authentic laboratory experiences is important, but challenging. Virtual laboratories (vLABs) are a potential means to enable interactive learning experiences. A vLAB focusing on Western Blotting was developed and implemented in a 3rd year undergraduate Pathology course for science students to facilitate learning of technical molecular laboratory skills that are linked to development of diagnostic skills. Such skills are important for undergraduates in building a conceptual understanding of translation of laboratory techniques to changes in human biology due to disease. The Western Blotting vLAB was developed and deployed using the Adaptive eLearning Platform (AeLP) developed by Smart Sparrow ( https://www.smartsparrow.com/ ). The vLAB was evaluated to assess students' perceptions of their laboratory skills relevant to the diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy. A blended learning rotation model was applied in which wet laboratory and vLAB environments for Western Blotting were both delivered to three consecutive cohorts of 3rd year science undergraduates undertaking a Muscle Diseases practical class. Evaluation questionnaires were administered at the completion of the practical classes. Students indicated in online questionnaires that the Western Blotting vLAB was at least equivalent to the real lab in their perceived development of concepts, laboratory skills and diagnosis of disease. vLABs have great potential for improving students’ development of diagnostic skills. Further studies are required to determine the impact of vLABs on student learning.
关键词：Pathology;Science education;Virtual laboratory;ELearning;Technical skills;Diagnostic skills;Western Blotting;Muscular dystrophy