In today’s educational landscape, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a necessity. As an instructor of Anatomy & Physiology (A&P), I have quickly learned that virtual wet lab simulations must meet the unique needs of instructors and students while providing a solution to support the challenges of learning when lab resources and time are often limited.

In an era where more is expected from both technology and education, Pearson Interactive Labs for A&P rise to the challenge, delivering an impactful and accessible learning solution for all.

Pearson Interactive Labs for A&P Delivers More

Pearson Interactive Labs for A&P are designed to enhance critical thinking, comprehension, and build confidence. The modular design of these virtual lab simulations allows them to be integrated seamlessly into any A&P 1 and 2 lecture or lab course.

• Sparking Student Interest from the Start: Each lab begins with a pithy “Spark” that piques student interest and connects each lab to the real-world. Learners are then provided with essential background information to ensure they feel prepared for the experiment to come. For example, the “Spark” for the Blood Typing Lab ignites student curiosity by sharing that a person in the USA needs donated blood every 2 seconds.
• Real Wet Lab Experience Encouraging Critical Reflection: Each Experiment provides students with a realistic A&P lab experience that mirrors the tasks they would perform in a real wet lab. Using a prepared workbench, students collect and analyze data while being prompted with "Stop & Think" questions. These reflection points help them pause, integrate a “lab partner’s” feedback, and connect the data to key concepts.
• Applying Knowledge to Clinical Scenarios: Each lab concludes with an “Application” module where students are challenged to apply their newly acquired A&P knowledge to real-world scenarios. The Compound Microscope Interactive Lab includes a case study examining the margins of excised tissue of breast cancer patient to understand if the removal was successful. This final step solidifies the learning experience by making it both practical and relevant to students’ future careers.

Pearson Interactive Labs for A&P offer flexibility for both students and instructors:

One of the most valuable aspects of Pearson Interactive Labs for A&P is its flexibility, offering multiple ways for instructors to integrate them into their curriculum to engage students. These labs can be used as:

• A Complete Wet Lab Replacement: There are many reasons that virtual labs are beneficial, including limitations with physical lab space, resources, and time. Additionally, instructors may teach online lab courses, need to offer a way for students to make-up labs, or there may be safety concerns to ensure that students and animals are protected from harm. Pearson Interactive Labs serve as a fully immersive alternative. Students conduct these virtual experiments that simulate a real wet lab experience without compromising the depth of learning.
• A Complement to In-Person Labs: Instructors can assign the labs as supplementary exercises before or after in-person labs to reinforce key concepts covered in a traditional lab setting. By offering students additional practice and reinforcement outside the classroom either as pre-lab exposure or as post-lab review, instructors can create more efficient and effective in-person lab experiences.
• Pick and Choose Lab Components: Instructors have the flexibility to select specific modules of the lab simulations that best align with their course objectives. They can even edit or add their own questions or content. This a-la-carte approach allows students to focus on the most relevant sections, ensuring that the labs meet the specific needs of the curriculum.

Pearson Interactive Labs for A&P not only foster deeper student engagement and learning but also offer instructors the convenience of integrating interactive, customizable lab activities into their curriculum. Incorporating these labs will empower your students with the critical thinking and hands-on skills they need to excel in A&P and beyond.