iLabs as an online laboratory platform: A case study at Stanford University during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The iLabs platform – a low cost, highly scalable way to provide online learning for remote and virtual laboratory experiments is introduced into a classroom setting for the first time. As the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted conventional laboratory experiment-based teaching, the iLabs platform can be a potential solution to include remote and virtual experiments in the curricula. As a case study, the process and challenges of integrating an iLabs experiment into a course are discussed. The described process includes converting a physical experiment into an iLabs experiment and using it as a teaching tool in one course at Stanford University during the Autumn 2020-2021 quarter. Feedback collected from the students is discussed. Although performed on a small scale, the case study suggests that the platform has the potential to be a helpful teaching tool for science and technology classes. In addition to being a substitute for a physical laboratory during the pandemic, the platform can be included as a supplementary teaching tool complementing physical laboratory experiments after the pandemic as well and will aid remote education.