{"id":2510,"date":"2026-02-18T20:09:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T20:09:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/thelearningcurve\/?p=2510"},"modified":"2026-02-19T15:40:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:40:59","slug":"revisiting-labster-a-recap-of-our-spring-2026-webinar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.luc.edu\/thelearningcurve\/?p=2510","title":{"rendered":"Revisiting Labster: A Recap of our Spring 2026 Webinar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Learning Technologies & Innovation recently welcomed Aimee Burke, senior customer success manager at Labster, to reintroduce Labster to Loyola faculty and staff. Labster is a virtual science lab simulation tool, when integrated with Sakai, that can enhance STEM teaching and improve student readiness for hands\u2011on lab work. Initially adopted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a replacement for in-person instruction, Labster continues to offer meaningful engagement opportunities for pre-lab, post-lab, and make-ups, as well as offering experiences that students may not otherwise be afforded in the classroom. The session offered a practical look at how Labster\u2019s virtual simulations can support faculty in delivering high\u2011impact learning experiences with minimal extra prep and grading time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the\u00a0webinar, Aimee\u00a0demonstrated\u00a0how faculty can explore the\u00a0Labster\u00a0catalog, preview simulations, and request personalized recommendations aligned with their course topics.\u00a0Learning Technologies & Innovation staff\u00a0also walked faculty through\u00a0using\u00a0the Sakai integration. Instructors can add\u00a0Labster\u00a0US\u00a0as an external tool to\u00a0monitor\u00a0student\u00a0progress and then\u00a0embed simulation links directly within the Lessons tool.\u00a0In\u2011simulation chat support connects learners directly to\u00a0Labster\u2019s\u00a0technical team should any issues\u00a0with playback\u00a0arise.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Labster\u2019s\u00a0catalog includes more than 350 virtual simulations across STEM disciplines, each designed around a real\u2011world scenario to help students connect abstract concepts with authentic applications. Simulations range from 15 to 50 minutes and incorporate theory pages, formative quizzes, and supplementary materials,\u00a0giving\u00a0students multiple avenues to build understanding before\u00a0(or after!)\u00a0entering the physical lab environment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Loyola\u2019s own student learning data highlights the impact of Labster\u2019s approach. Among students who used Labster in the past year, 61% reported increased confidence in their understanding of course concepts, 72% reported measurable growth in comprehension, and most felt well supported throughout their learning experience. Pre\u2011 and post\u2011quiz assessments also show that 75% of students improved after completing a simulation\u2014clear evidence of meaningful learning gains.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to Try\u00a0Labster\u00a0in Your Course?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0interested in integrating virtual labs into your teaching this semester\u2014whether for pre\u2011lab preparation, concept reinforcement, or extra credit\u2014now is the perfect time to explore what\u00a0Labster\u00a0can offer your students.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n