Design and Development of an Ultra-concurrent Optical Microscope Laboratory for the Study of Cells
摘要
This article presents the design and development of an ultra-concurrent remote optical microscopy laboratory for the study of cells. The Remote Experimentation Laboratory of the Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Costa Rica, in collaboration with LabsLand, has developed a resource that enables students and educators to remotely conduct experiments in the field of biology, thereby replicating the experience of a physical laboratory. The objective was to encompass the full range of experimental procedures, from the initial preparation of samples to the observation of animal and plant cell samples. The virtual optical microscope interface enables users to adjust parameters such as light intensity, focus, and microscope lenses, while working with real microscopic images. This setup emulates a realistic working environment, fostering the development of key sensorimotor and scientific skills, including observation, data analysis, and hypothesis formulation. This educational resource has the additional benefit of facilitating teaching and learning in diverse educational contexts, while also promoting remote experimentation, thereby overcoming geographical and economic barriers. In conclusion, the remote laboratory represents a significant advance in the integration of emerging technologies in distance science education, with considerable potential for the expansion of this experimental training in biology to other scientific disciplines.