As online education takes shape in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, virtual laboratory experiments are coming online at nearly every community college in California, except Fresno’s largest junior college.

The sudden rush to move classes online has challenged educators and students, particularly the classes rooted in hands-on science experiments. But a new partnership between the California community system and an online learning platform seeks to address that issue.

Labster, a producer of virtual lab simulations, announced Tuesday its partnership with the California Community College system to give faculty access to its programs through the end of the year.

Labster says its simulations increase participation and engagement and can be done through a laptop or desktop computer. The simulations look and feel like a video game, where students perform experiments that mimic real-world situations.

Although Labster is available now to all 115 community colleges across the state, Fresno City College has chosen not to implement Labster -- at least not yet.

Labster initially said that all 115 community colleges would adopt the program, but corrected their statement early Tuesday.

President Carole Goldsmith said the administration worried that because the platform is not compatible with tablets or phones, it would not be fair to force it on students who only have access to those devices.

Jodie Steeley, the director of distance education at Fresno City, said that although the community college system approved Labster for use, it didn’t meet Fresno City’s needs.

“We have a procurement process, where we evaluate digital tools based on privacy, security, and technology that’s required,” she said. “What device? What kind of internet speed you might need. Then we also look at it for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance.”

Labster did not meet ADA requirements, Steeley says.

But Fresno City isn’t completely discarding the program, she said. Several faculty members are trying out the tool without making it mandatory for students.

She said fully implementing Labster was “not what was best for our students.”

Besides the equity issue, Steeley said there also is a cost per student that the college pays. Instructors have been using similar online tools that are free, such as PhEt from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Labster is working to have over 100 simulations meet ADA requirements before the end of 2020, according to a statement from the company.

“We are committed to keep growing in ways that empower students in STEM learning, which is why we have taken an all-hands-on-deck approach to onboarding classes and helping professors discover if Labster’s platform is right for them during these times.”

Other State Center Community Colleges, such as Clovis Community, have given their faculty the option of using Labster in their current courses.

Clovis Community College spokesperson Stephanie Babb said the program was implemented last week. Although it looks promising, it is up to instructors to decide whether to use it in their courses.

Colleges who do will get access to more than 130 simulations in biology, chemistry, physics and general science. To help faculty integrate the labs into their course work, Labster said it would provide course maps and teacher training and resources.

“Labster is very proud of our partnership with the California Community College system, yet we know that each college has its own needs, especially during the uncertainties in this coronavirus outbreak,” Labster’s statement read.

The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bee’s Education Lab on our website.

This story was originally published April 14, 2020 at 5:00 AM.