Student‐led workshops: Filling skills gaps in computational research for life scientists

• Published in: Natural sciences education Vol. 50; no. 1; pp. e20052 - n/a
• Main Authors: LaTourrette, Katherine, Stengel, Ashley, Clarke, Jennifer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2021
• Subjects: Biological Sciences; Computation; COVID-19; Experiential Learning; Graduate Students; Pandemics; Scientific Research; Scientists; Skill Development; Student Centered Learning; Student Research; Virtual Classrooms; Workshops
• ISSN: 2168-8281; 2168-8273; 2168-8281
• DOI: 10.1002/nse2.20052

Computational skills are increasingly important for conducting research in the agricultural and natural sciences. However, barriers to training availability and accessibility have left many life scientists under‐prepared. To address these challenges, we developed a workshop series led by graduate students to cover topics relevant to research needs among life scientists. Our workshops incorporated guided practice to facilitate a student‐centered learning environment. Further, in response to changes mandated by the COVID‐19 pandemic, the workshop series was converted to a virtual format and extended to life science researchers beyond our home institution. We highlight how to effectively structure workshops to develop computational skills and adapt in‐person activities to the virtual environment. Survey data shows our workshops reached a highly diverse group of scientists, representing more than eight departments, in both in‐person and virtual renditions. Further, we demonstrate an increase in self‐reported confidence in student abilities to apply concepts to their own research following content delivery. This increase was facilitated in both virtual and in‐person environments, showing that adapting content for online delivery is capable of supporting student learning gains. The success of this workshop series shows the importance of hands‐on, guided practice in developing computational skills to fill gaps in training in the agricultural and natural sciences.
Core Ideas
Students in the life sciences lack access to computational biology training.
Guided practice in short training modules shows enhanced skill development.
Redesigning workshops to a virtual format improved participation and diversity.
Virtual skills training is scalable to individual life science research goals.
Workshop design and delivery strategies are applicable to course instructors.