Virtual Lab: Phenol-Chloroform DNA Extraction Simulation

This high-fidelity, interactive virtual lab simulates the exact protocol of Phenol-Chloroform DNA extraction. Designed for university-level molecular biology and biochemistry students, this Articulate Storyline module replaces passive procedural reading with a hands-on, risk-free simulation of a delicate and hazardous laboratory technique. The simulation guides learners through the exact protocol steps to successfully isolate high-purity DNA.

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Responsibilities

Instructional Design:

⏵Translated a multi-step extraction protocol into intuitive digital interactions, structured the learning path around strict procedural accuracy, and designed critical decision points for equipment settings.

eLearning Development:

⏵Programmed custom drag-and-drop triggers and intersection logic.

⏵Built back-end validation systems that evaluate user inputs forcing the simulation to check for exact equipment settings before advancing.

⏵Engineered a strict condition-based navigation system that locks the user interface and prevents learners from jumping ahead until the current protocol step is performed completely and correctly.

Target Audience

• University undergraduate and graduate students in molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.

• Laboratory trainees needing to master hazardous chemical protocols prior to physical bench work.

• Science educators seeking realistic, web-based laboratory simulations for remote or blended learning.

Tools

Articulate Storyline Rise 360

Google Gemini

Adobe Fresco

Adobe Firefly

Impact

• Eliminates Real-World Hazard: Provides a completely safe sandbox for students to practice a toxic, high-risk chemical extraction protocol without the danger of real-world exposure or chemical spills.

• Enforces Procedural Mastery: Guarantees proper laboratory discipline by systematically locking user progression until exact operational parameters are successfully executed.

• Optimizes Lab Budgets: Drastically reduces the consumption of expensive chemical reagents and physical lab equipment wear-and-tear by shifting early-stage troubleshooting into a digital environment.

Challenges

• Strict Conditional Logic: Configuring a rigorous validation system that accurately tracks micro-steps within a single screen, ensuring no student skips vital phases.

• Simulating Tactical Precision: Translating physical lab maneuvers into intuitive computer actions that still convey the meticulous nature of real bench work.

Storyboard

DNA Storyboard-pages1-5.pdf

Only part of Storyboard for this course is provided

Gallery

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