Microlearning in the university classroom: use of virtual simulator in biology

Abstract

The physical closure of educational institutions during the pandemic posed new challenges for educational authors who had to adopt new virtual tools for their teaching-learning process on the fly. In this sense, the present work quantitatively analyzes the use of a virtual simulator available on the web as an educational strategy linked to the laboratory practices developed during the pandemic in the subject of Microscopy and Microanalysis at an Ecuadorian university. Following the teachers' premises for the development of the practice, 30 students experienced the use of the simulator and answered an ad hoc questionnaire, where both the use of the simulator and the academic skills acquired were evaluated. The results show high positive values in student perception and the use of the simulator was conceived as an interesting and innovative experience. This discusses the use of virtual environments as an academic alternative to disciplines with a practical component.