Screenshot:

Live example: Gram Stain Technique

Instructor: Elroy Klaviter

Producer: Jiatyan Chen

Flash design and development: Ben Rhodes

Purpose: This virtual laboratory lets students practice their Gram Stain technique. There are several steps involved in this technique to differentiate 2 types of bacteria. Students must read two articles about the process before trying it out in the virtual laboratory. The virtual laboratory simulates the wait time required to go through each step of the process, giving the students incentive to read the literature rather than blindly playing with the combinations until it works. Hint: crystal violet, iodine, alcohol, safranin.

Elements online: 100% online.

Technologies used: Flash MX.

Timeline: 2 months

Lessons learned/feedback: Very positive comments from students. Some said that it was even better than doing it in a real lab.