Peer Review

Virtual Labs: Gram Staining

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Sep 6, 2019 by Biology

Bookmark

Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: I recommend that this title be updated to be "Virtual Lab: Gram Staining" to make it clear to MERLOT users that it is a highly interactive simulation. Multiple virtual labs are hosted by New Mexico State University. This particular one is how to Gram stain a specimen. It can be used as a standalone virtual lab or in combination with other labs (such as after Bacterial Sampling and before Using a Microscope).
Type of Material:: Animation
Recommended Uses:: During class as individuals or in groups, as homework after class, as homework before class (flipped classroom)
Technical Requirements:: I viewed the website in Google Chrome Version 59.0.3071.115. Flash required. It also works in Safari and Firefox. Note: According to the website, an app is available. However, I was unable to find it in the iOS app store after several searches. This is possibly because it is only compatible with iPads, and I only have an iPhone.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The purpose of this animation is to teach the process of Gram staining to students in the microbiological laboratory and to distinguish between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on a microscope slide.
Target Student Population:: College level microbiology or food science class
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Understanding of the physical and chemical differences in gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Basic computer navigation skills like clicking next and manipulating a computer mouse.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The animation replicates the basic process well.
Results are shown and explained to the user.
The process is presented in the correct time sequence.
Equipment to be used is illustrated
Students manipulate the materials.

Concerns:

Uses flash plugin which will not be supported much longer.
Not all gram stain protocols use alcohol; acetone is frequently mixed in.
Would be improved if the probiotic Gram-positive bacteria normally found in yogurt, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, were named specifically.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The protocol is presented in correct sequence and the user is lead through the protocol the first time with instructions and hints at each step.
The correct materials are displayed accurately.
The site is interactive with the user manipulating the equipment with guidance on screen.
After the the initial guided attempt the user has to perform the protocol without the on screen guidance.
Hints are available as needed.
Results are displyed and interpreted.
The entire process is placed in a real world context.

Concerns:

No learning objectives or prerequisites specifically identified. There is no built-in assessment or easy way for an instructor to know that the virtual lab has been completed. A worksheet or pre-lab assessment provided with the virtual lab would be ideal.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The site functioned with no problems.
The organization of the site is clear.
On screen prompts guide the user through the first gram stain.
During the "on your own" portion, hints are available as needed.

Concerns:

Users have to pay close attention to the on screen prompts to get the equipment in the correct spot to work.
Having images of possible errors and what the slides would look like in those cases would be helpful.

Other Issues and Comments:: This virtual lab provides a very good introduction to the Gram stain protocol. However, we were unable to find it in the iOS app store after several searches.
Creative Commons: