PubMed · 2026-02-19
Researchers created a digital version of a hands-on plant biology research course so students could still do real science during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The digital course maintained the core benefits of authentic research experiences for undergraduates studying biology.
A digital course-based research experience (DCURE) was successfully developed and implemented as an adaptation of an original live-plant hands-on experiment
The DCURE was designed to promote student engagement, persistence in STEM fields, and practical research skill development without requiring physical lab access
The digital format offers improved scalability and flexibility compared to traditional in-person plant biology research courses, addressing growing demand for accessible biology education