Eighty teachers from various educational programs participated in a workshop to enhance their scientific skills using remote Physics, Chemistry, and Biology laboratories provided by the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), Occidente campus. The event was held as part of a partnership between the regional education office and the university, according to a March 24 announcement.
The initiative is significant because it introduces innovative teaching tools that can benefit approximately 8,000 students starting in April. By enabling remote access to university-level laboratories, teachers can bring advanced science experiences directly into their classrooms.
The pilot project involves directors, librarians, primary school teachers for grades five and six, and technology instructors from thirteen schools. These educators will apply what they learned during the session with their students through special online access to UNED’s laboratory facilities.
Miguel Sibaja, Director of Regional Education for Occidente, said these partnerships are key for improving student engagement with science: “Estamos muy complacidos de esta jornada porque queremos ser una regional que destaque en las ciencias y el arte. Somos vanguardistas en el uso de los laboratorios de las universidades de forma remota y eso nos llena de mucha alegría.”
Recently approved legislation—Law 2438—aims to make university laboratories available to public schools across the country. This legal framework supports efforts like those seen in Occidente and may pave the way for broader adoption of similar initiatives nationwide.
Looking ahead, educators involved in this pilot will begin implementing remote lab activities with their students next month. The project’s success could serve as a model for other regions seeking creative ways to improve science education.
