Case Study: Åbo Akademi University reduces student stress and boosts engagement with Labster virtual labs

Åbo Akademi University Reduces Student Stress with Interactive Learning through Virtual Labs

Åbo Akademi University faced the challenge of engaging students and combating stress and isolation, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. The science educators needed a tool for remote teaching that could also address the increasingly fraught mental health environment for learners. The vendor, Labster, provided its virtual lab simulations to help teach practical courses like Biochemistry remotely.

The solution implemented by Labster allowed students to grasp new ideas, see the full sequence of lab procedures, and prepare for in-person wet labs. The results included positive student feedback, with learners reporting that the interactive simulations felt less isolating than traditional homework and helped them understand complex topics. Labster became a key tool for boosting student motivation and fostering a passion for science.

Åbo Akademi University

Pirkko Heikinheimo

Project Researcher