Webinar On-Demand

Culturing an Idea:
Creating & Delivering Engaging Lab Content

Learn how author Derek Weber addresses the limitations of traditional lab manuals by creating student-centered content that delivers more engaging learning experiences. 

Derek Weber, a Professor of Microbiology and Biology at Raritan Valley Community College, recognized that most lab manuals lacked the real-world application critical to captivating student interests. Using Top Hat, he authored a customizable lab manual, Focusing on Health: Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology, to address this shortcoming and to make his material more relevant to his students. 

In this on-demand presentation that’s applicable to all lab instructors, Weber shares strategies for delivering and creating content designed to increase student engagement both in and out of the lab. 

Watch the Recording

Watch Now to Learn

  • How to optimize lab content that features relevant, real-world learning activities
  • Why customizing existing content will help students see the connection between theory and practice
  • How to create and leverage lab content in different formats that will appeal to your students
  • The importance of helping students make the most of their lab time while receiving the feedback they need to succeed

Focusing on Health: Laboratory Exercises in Microbiology

Bolstered by clinically relevant, real-world learning opportunities set within the framework of the microbiology lab, Focusing on Health helps build student interest and connections between microbiology and the world around them.

About the Speaker

Derek Weber is a Professor of Biology and Microbiology in the Department of Science and Engineering at Raritan Valley Community College. He earned his PhD in Biomolecular Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His current scholarly work focuses on the use of instructional technology in a flipped classroom to create a more active and engaging learning community. Weber is the recipient of multiple recognitions and awards, including the Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology at the International Teaching and Learning Conference, as well as the 2022 Top Author Award at the Top Hat Engage conference.