Development of Digital Content for Flexible and Remote Instruction of the Use and Operation of Laboratory Equipment

Research-based learning is an educational approach where students engage in research activities resembling those conducted by professional scientists, with the aim of building their own understanding and knowledge. The use and operation of laboratory equipment is fundamental for students to conduct their research projects, and they require training. However, traditional in-person training is limited by time, space, and availability constraints, hindering flexible learning. In this original work, step-by-step instructional videos were developed, covering both the operation of laboratory equipment and related theoretical concepts. Undergraduate volunteer students were divided into a control group (which received in-person training) and an experimental group (which received video-tutorial training). They answered a pre-test and a post-test about the theoretical concepts, as well as a survey regarding equipment operation. Variables such as learning gain, learning experience, confidence in equipment operation, and ability in equipment operation were assessed. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between control and experimental groups. Students who watched the videos were able to achieve higher confidence and self-perceived ability in laboratory equipment operation compared to those who did not. This strategy resulted in a sharp improvement in the students' performance in scientific equipment operation, leveraging the benefits of flexible learning.