Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


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

  • digital brain with network connections

    Microsoft Moving to Internally Developed AI Models in Office Apps

    Microsoft is reportedly using its own in-house artificial intelligence models to handle some workloads in Excel and Outlook, offering new evidence that the company is moving its AI strategy beyond model development and into large-scale cost reduction.

  • circuit patterns

    Anthropic Launches Lower-Cost Claude Sonnet 5

    Anthropic has released Claude Sonnet 5, positioning the model as its most autonomous mid-tier offering to date and a lower-cost alternative to its flagship Opus 4.8 system. The company said the model can plan multi-step tasks, operate tools such as browsers and terminals, and complete agentic work at a level that previously required larger and more expensive models.

  • Human Hand Assembling Digital Data Blocks

    Report: AI Impact Starts with Strong Data Foundation

    High-impact AI implementations are more likely to treat data architecture, governance, and operationalization as strategic requirements, according to TDWI's 2026 Blueprint report.

  • Abstract background with digital shield made of data particles glowing blue blocking against cyber attacks

    Report: AI Attacks Push Organizations Toward Autonomous Cybersecurity Defense

    Artificial intelligence is raising the stakes of cyber conflict as attackers use the technology to accelerate reconnaissance, uncover vulnerabilities, and launch attacks faster than many security teams can respond.