The largest higher ed system in the US is turning to video game-esque science lab simulators as students isolate IRL - here's how the the programs works

In Labster's lab simulation, students walk into a lab like they would for a physical class.

Different classes have different setups closely mirroring what students would see in the classroom.

Users control the lab almost like a video game...

...for example, using a pipette.

Some labs have diagrams and information that could be communicated over other online learning tools...

...but the most useful simulations seem to be the ones focused on experimentation and actually making choices and conducting tasks in the simulations.

For example, a simulation on the atomic structure in a chemistry class has diagrams and information, plus models that teach about different elements.

Students have access to tools and references within the lab, as they would in a real lab.

Other courses might be best taught online in a simulator, too.

For example, a biosafety class simulator lets students understand the principles of safety before dealing with any actual dangers.

For a cytogenetics class, where students learn about making prenatal diagnoses, seeing live patients isn't necessarily safe or even feasible right now.

More than two million students at 115 California schools will have access to Labster simulators immediately, through the end of the semester.

As the coronavirus keeps schools closed, it seems possible that virtual education tools like this will become more important.