Proven Learning Outcomes with Virtual Science Labs
Independent research shows measurable gains in student performance, engagement, and retention across online, hybrid, and in-person programs.
Do Virtual Labs Improve Student Outcomes?
Credible efficacy evidence proves immersive learning works. From reducing program costs to improving student achievement and persistence in STEM, Labster delivers immersive virtual science labs grounded in peer-reviewed research and real learning outcomes.
Reduced Lab Costs
In one institutional cost comparison, Labster costs were within 10% of previously used home lab kits.
Study type: Quasi-experimental
Sample size: BIO 205 course students (Summer & Fall 2024)
Citation: Link to source
Increased Student Confidence
In a course evaluation, nearly 65% of surveyed students reported greater confidence entering in-person lab sessions after using Labster.
Study type: Mixed-methods, single-institution perception and implementation
Sample size: 352 undergraduate students (88% response rate), plus instructor focus groups
Citation: Link to source
Broad Knowledge Gains
In pre- and post-assessment evaluations, 89% of students demonstrated measurable gains after completing Labster virtual labs.
Study type: Quasi-experimental / implementation study with mixed measures
Sample size: 14 students
Citation: Link to source
Persistence in STEM Courses
When virtual labs were assigned before in-person labs, students were five times more likely to express plans to enroll in additional STEM courses.
Study type: Mixed-methods, multi-year implementation study
Sample size: 188 undergraduate students
Citation: Link to source
Research Designed for Academic Rigor
Labster’s impact has been evaluated through multiple research designs across diverse institutional contexts. Evidence includes quasi-experimental studies, matched cohort analyses, longitudinal implementation, perception surveys and focus groups, and statistical modeling, conducted in collaboration with independent researchers and partner institutions.
Our goal is to evaluate learning outcomes with methodological integrity across both traditional and virtual lab experiences.
Major Research Studies
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Journal: Education Sciences
Institution: Universidad Andres Bello
Sample size: 352 undergraduate students (88% response rate), plus instructor focus groups
Study type: Mixed-methods, single-institution perception and implementation study
Result: Over 80% of students reported that Labster virtual labs increased their motivation, autonomy, interest, and confidence.
Journal: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education
Institution type: University of Toronto
Sample size: 14 students
Study type: Quasi-experimental / implementation study with mixed measures
Result: 89% of students demonstrated a knowledge gain on assessments after engaging with Labster virtual labs
Journal: Proceedings of EdMedia + Innovate Learning
Authors: Rachel Schechter, Learning Experience Design Research, United States; Paul Chase, Tufts University, United States; Apoorva Shivaram, Northwestern, United States; Malte Staeps, Labster, Denmark
Sample size: 188 students
Study type: Mixed-methods, multi-year implementation study
Result: Students were 5 times more likely to plan to take additional STEM courses and 4 times more likely to plan to work in a STEM field when virtual lab assignments occurred before the in-person lab
Journal: Advances in Physiology Education
Institutions: Dundalk Institute of Technology, Technological University of the Shannon, University College Cork, Dublin City University, Maynooth University
Sample size: 600+ students
Study type: Mixed-methods, multi-institution perception and implementation study with pre/post surveys and focus groups
Result: 90% of students agreed that Labster virtual labs enhanced their confidence with experimental science
Journal: Frontiers in Education
Institution: Universidad de Las Américas
Sample size: 315 students
Study type: Quasi-experimental design with control group (non-randomized)
Result: Significantly greater academic improvement than peers who did not use simulations
Student Success
- Increased knowledge retention
- Improved academic performance
- Reduced DFW rates in gateway courses
- Enhanced student confidence and persistence
- More consistent performance across sections
Financial Sustainability
- Reduced lab fees and material/shipping costs
- Lower reliance on physical lab infrastructure
- Scalable delivery across sections and campuses
- Repeatable experiments without added cost
Access & Modality
- Expanded access for non-traditional learners
- Flexible integration across course formats
- Increased accessibility for diverse learning needs
- Equivalent preparation for lab-based coursework
- Consistent learning experiences across locations
Frequently Asked Questions
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High-quality virtual labs are designed to mirror inquiry-based learning, allowing students to make decisions, test hypotheses, and observe consequences, similar to differentiated wet lab experiences. By replicating the variability, experimental thinking, and decision-making found in wet labs, virtual labs are a practical way to learn complex scientific concepts and lab skills.
Whether virtual labs are a complement to in-person labs or used as a lab replacement, they allow students to practice, make mistakes, and learn in a safe environment.
Yes. Virtual labs offer a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional lab models as well as lab kits, helping institutions manage expenses while expanding access to science education.
They reduce costs associated with physical materials, lab setup, and shipping, and lower reliance on dedicated lab space and equipment. Because virtual labs can be used across multiple sections and campuses, they provide a scalable solution without requiring additional infrastructure. They allow for repeatable experiments where students can make mistakes virtually without the added cost of expensive physical lab equipment.
Studies show that virtual labs significantly improve retention, academic performance, knowledge retention, and course completion, particularly when used as a pre-lab complement to in-person labs. Virtual labs such as Labster have been shown to reduce failure and drop-out rates in gateway courses where attrition is highest, and improve persistence in STEM.
Yes. Virtual labs expand access to experimental science by removing many of the logistical barriers associated with physical lab environments. For online, working, and commuter students, they provide flexible, on-demand access to lab experiences that would otherwise require scheduled time, travel, or specialized facilities.
Because high-quality 3D virtual labs are designed around inquiry-based learning, students can actively engage in experimental decision-making, observe outcomes, and build scientific understanding, even outside a traditional lab setting. This makes it possible to deliver meaningful lab experiences in fully online courses or in contexts where access to physical labs is limited.
Yes, Labster virtual labs are designed to be easy to implement, whether you are an individual department or part of a large-scale institutional rollout. Labster provides a comprehensive support ecosystem to ensure that transitioning to a digital lab environment is seamless and secure.
We offer full compatibility with major LMS platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, and D2L, allowing students to access simulations as standard assignments with automatic gradebook syncing. For institutions without an LMS, our Course Manager provides a simple alternative. To accelerate adoption, we provide course mapping services to align simulations with your syllabus, alongside dedicated onboarding support for faculty. Furthermore, our SOC2 compliance ensures enterprise-grade data security, making the technical approval process straightforward for your IT department.
Make Evidence-Based Decisions with Confidence
Whether you're expanding online programs or modernizing lab infrastructure, Labster provides research-backed results you can present with confidence.
