Integration of Computer Lab and Wet Lab Without Loss of Functionality: Computer-augmented wet labs

 

Brenda Leady and Dale Leady

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2005, Volume 26

Abstract

Biology labs are typically not conducive to computer use. The hazards of a wet lab preclude computers being on the bench top, so students either use laptops or go to a PC lab in another room. Laptops are prone to drops and spills, and are expensive and difficult to repair. Sending them to another lab isolates the lab experience and prevents many applications of the computer in the lab. However, computer use is important in preparing students for the future. We have integrated a full computer lab into our introductory teaching labs. Every pair of students has their own PC at the lab bench. The CPU sits under the bench in modified cabinets while a flat screen panel sits on top of the desk. Tower style CPUs are cheaper to buy and easier to repair and upgrade than notebooks. The flat screens are protected by plastic splash shields we made ourselves. Keyboards and mice have yet to be replaced due to lab damage in hundreds of hours of use. The 12 student PCs are controlled by an instructor PC at the teaching assistant station. “NetSupport School” software allows us to turn the machines on and off, and monitor and control student use. Almost every lab has a worksheet to fill out electronically, a spreadsheet to complete or a graph to make. We also use spectrophotometers connected to the computers for direct data gathering. We plan to add video microscopy to our labs in the near future. Computers do not replace wet labs; they augment them. We will demonstrate the use of the software program used to control the labs, as well as the physical set up and considerations in a computer-augmented wet lab.

Keywords:  computer

Bowling Green State University, Ohio (2004)