Physiology simulations reaching students across the globe
The Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute’s (BDI) Department of Physiology developed, and has been using online experimental simulations to complement the teaching in undergraduate practical classes for about three years. These online simulations allow students to prepare for the wet lab experience and provides an authentic experimental experience for large classes, while reducing the use of animals and expensive equipment in teaching.
There are twelve simulation topics available, including auditory neuroscience, obesity, vision and more.
These online simulations are open access, meaning anyone can use them, not just those enrolled in Physiology units at Monash. An unintended benefit of this open access has been worldwide use of the simulations.
While Australia remains the largest country of users, the online simulations have been accessed in 134 countries at least once, and 11 countries more than 100 times (data period 1 June 2017 – 31 May 2018).
Given the costs associated with many commercially-available online simulations, initial expectations were that use would be predominantly limited to developing countries. However, recent usage data shows that there is also extensive use in the United States of America, Europe and the United Kingdom. It appears that these online simulations have widespread appeal amongst those teaching and learning in the field of physiology.
The aim of providing tools for developing countries is still being realised. At a recent conference with the Indonesian Physiological Society in Bandung, Indonesian academics were keen to understand the principles underpinning the simulations and sought assurance of continued, unlimited access to the simulations for teaching their students, as they cannot afford the commercial simulations on offer.
It is not just the academics who appreciate these simulations. Students consistently offer positive feedback about the impact of the simulations on their learning.
“The virtual components [of this unit] helped me visualise and feel confident entering into the practical, especially since it built the foundational theory for the practical,” one student said.
“I enjoyed the laboratory classes – particularly as there were ample resources available… before lab classes to ensure you knew exactly what you were doing,” another student said.
“The best thing about this unit – pre-lab virtual components.”
The international reach of the Department of Physiology online simulations demonstrates their success as a teaching tool. By developing clear, comprehensive and accessible information for Monash students, the Department of Physiology has opened up learning opportunities for students around the world.
Development of the online simulations was funded by the Monash BDI Department of Physiology, reflecting the vision of the heads of department, who have been very supportive of this teaching tool, and the engagement by academic staff, who have found value in incorporating this tool as complementary or supplementary to the "wet lab" experience.
Click here to visit the online simulations webpage.