Virtual Labs for Biostatistics

Biometrics (BIOL 300) was redesigned by replacing the weekly face-to-face laboratory sessions, which are held in a computer classroom, with online labs. Virtual lab activities were developed and integrated into the assignments so that students were involved in both data collection and data analysis. The lecture remained face-to-face. This mode of delivery decreased the cost per student by 55% and allowed more sections of the course to be offered. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to sections using traditional labs and sections using virtual labs. Analyses of the survey responses and course grades showed that there were no significant differences between the two delivery modes in the students increase in knowledge about statistics or in their attitudes towards statistics. These results suggest that the biostatistics virtual labs are just as effective pedagogically as the traditional labs, but more cost efficient.