University System of Maryland Rolls Out Virtual Science Labs Across All Campuses

The University System of Maryland has partnered with Labster to provide its virtual laboratory simulations across all USM institutions. The university is working to integrate virtual science labs into its course offerings as the COVID-19 pandemic has limited students' and instructors' access to classrooms.

"While it is difficult to replace the 'hands-on' experience of a real lab environment, we were very pleased to find a solution for our campuses that can help us de-densify the classroom by helping students prepare for labs in advance using simulations," said MJ Bishop, director of USM's Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation, in a statement. "Labster is both providing the tools as well as the support faculty need to learn how best to integrate the simulations into their course."

Students and faculty will have access to more than 150 virtual lab simulations, including biology, chemistry, physics and general sciences. Through the interactive simulations, students can perform realistic experiments, learn key science concepts, and practice their skills in a risk-free learning environment," according to a news announcement.

The rollout is part of USM's OnTrack initiative, a collaborative effort between the fully online University of Maryland Global Campus and the Kirwan Center to help USM institutions prepare for remote instruction. In addition to funding the Labster deal, USM OnTrack will provide professional development for faculty to help them incorporate the technology in their teaching.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • widescreen computer monitor displaying an AI-powered search engine interface with a search bar and futuristic icons

    Google, Microsoft Expand AI-Driven Search Capabilities

    Recent announcements from Google and Microsoft highlight a slough of AI capabilities for their search tools.

  • glowing shield with a lock symbol at its center, surrounded by stylized outlines of books, a graduation cap, and a laptop

    Why the Education Sector Needs to Get Better at Cyber Hygiene

    Despite the wealth of publicly available information about cyber attacks and the tactics used by malicious actors, many institutions appear unprepared to protect their students, faculty, and endowments from cyber threats.

  • illustration of a futuristic building labeled "AI & Innovation," featuring circuit board patterns and an AI brain motif, surrounded by geometric trees and a simplified sky

    Cal Poly Pomona Launches AI and Innovation Center

    In an effort to advance AI innovation, foster community engagement, and prepare students for careers in STEM fields and business, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona has teamed up with AI, cloud, and advisory services provider Avanade to launch a new Avanade AI & Innovation Center.

  • glowing brain, connected circuits, and abstract representations of a book and graduation cap on a light gray gradient background

    Snowflake Launches Program to Upskill 100,000 People in Data and AI

    Cloud data platform Snowflake is embarking on an effort to train and certify more than 100,000 users on its AI Data Cloud by 2027. The One Million Minds + One Platform program will provide Snowflake-delivered courses, training materials, and free access to Snowflake software, at no cost to learners.