top of page
Search

Blog #1:💡 Empowering Diverse Learners Through a Biotech Computer Lab 💡

  • Writer: Melissa B
    Melissa B
  • Apr 11
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 19

By Melissa B


Imagine a space where every student, regardless of background, walks into a lab and instantly has access to cutting-edge technology, adaptive tools, and collaborative learning environments. That’s the vision behind our Biotechnology Computer Lab for Diverse Learners - a digital hub tailored to meet the needs of today’s learners in STEM education.


🧬 Why This Lab Matters 🧬


In biotechnology education, hands-on experience with data analysis, modeling, and simulation is non-negotiable. But many students face barriers - language, learning differences, or lack of access. Our proposed lab breaks down those barriers by integrating Apple and Amazon technologies into a flexible learning space.


🖥️ What’s in the Lab? 🖥️


  • High-performance MacBook Pro laptops

  • iPads (and pencils) with accessibility apps (speech-to-text, visual readers)

  • Amazon (AWS) Educate cloud environment for data modeling

  • Smartboard and digital whiteboards for collaborative instruction

  • Ergonomic furniture and inclusive lab layout

  • Software suite: Blackboard LMS, Microsoft 365, RStudio, and GraphPad Prism, etc.


This lab accommodates 25 to 30 learners. We are currently looking into offering a mobile cart option for expanding into adjacent classrooms and community spaces.


This is a 2-D rendering of the possible computer lab setup. Please note, this is not to scale or exact.
This is a 2-D rendering of the possible computer lab setup. Please note, this is not to scale or exact.
This is a 3-D rendering of the possible computer lab setup. Please note, this is not to scale or exact.
This is a 3-D rendering of the possible computer lab setup. Please note, this is not to scale or exact.

🌍 Designed for Diversity 🌍


Research shows that inclusive digital environments improve retention and performance in STEM (Al-Azawei et al., 2017). By blending assistive technologies with mainstream biotech tools, we foster equity in high-tech learning.


🎯 Impact & Value 🎯


  • Prepares students for real-world biotech careers

  • Supports diverse learning styles and needs

  • Enables remote and hybrid access through cloud-based tools

  • Promotes collaboration and innovation through shared digital workspaces


This lab isn't just about equipment - it’s about access, opportunity, and empowerment.




Would a mobile cart option (for expanding into other spaces) make sense?

  • YES

  • NO

  • Maybe (if it does not cost too much)





What else would you like to see/use in the computer lab?

  • 0%Additional technologies and/or devices?

  • 0%More flexible workstations/seating?

  • 0%An additional Smartboard?

  • 0%An additional 3-D printer?




📚 References 📚


Al-Azawei, A., Serenelli, F., & Lundqvist, K. (2017). Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A content analysis of peer-reviewed journal papers from 2012 to 2015. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 17(3), 67–84. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1104867.pdf


Huang, R., Spector, J. M., & Yang, J. (Eds.). (2019). Educational technology: A primer for the 21st century. Springer. https://spada.uns.ac.id/pluginfile.php/246998/mod_resource/content/1/Educational%20Technology%20-%20A%20Primer%20for%20the%2021st%20Century.pdf


Kirkwood, A., & Price, L. (2014). Technology-enhanced learning and teaching in higher

education: What is “enhanced” and how do we know? Learning, Media and Technology, 39(1), 6–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2013.770404


National Research Council. (2012). Discipline-based education research: Understanding and improving learning in undergraduate science and engineering. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13362

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page