SimBio

What SimBio is

SimBio provides interactive biology teaching content for college courses, including virtual labs and interactive chapters. Instructors can select and combine modules in introductory biology, ecology, evolution, cell biology, genetics, and physiology. Simulations and interactives are intended to support inquiry-driven learning, critical thinking, and active learning. The web-based SimBio Active Learning System lets instructors customize course content, set assignments, and monitor student work; it runs on Chromebooks. The classic SimUText System is a separate client-based application that requires installation. SimUText scores and submissions can be analyzed or exported to a learning management system. Enrolled students need an active subscription for course content, while assessment and organizational tools have no additional cost. College instructors may request a free Evaluation Platform account after instructor verification; students are not eligible. Some features of the newer system remain under development, and access is limited to eligible courses. Listed student pricing ranges from $7.50 per lab per term to $89 per student per term for unlimited chapters and/or labs.

Who it suits

SimBio is aimed at college biology instructors who want configurable interactive content and tools for assignments and student work. It also serves enrolled students who have an active subscription for course content.

Limits

Students need an active subscription for course content. The listed per-term options charge $7.50 per lab, per student, $11.50 per chapter, per student, $49 per student for unlimited labs, or $89 per student for chapters and/or labs; the unlimited labs plan has no limit on selected SimUText labs. The Evaluation Platform account is for verified college instructors, not students.

Getting started

1. Visit https://simbio.com/.
2. College instructors can request a free Evaluation Platform account, subject to instructor verification.
3. Choose virtual labs at $7.50 per lab, per student, per term, or interactive chapters at $11.50 per chapter, per student, per term.
4. For SimUText, select Unlimited Labs at $49 per student, per term, or SimBio Unlimited at $89 per student, per term.
5. Use the web-based Active Learning System or install the client-based SimUText System on a computer.

Verdict

SimBio offers instructors a choice of biology modules and tools for organizing and monitoring coursework. Students need an active subscription for content, and access to the newer system depends on course eligibility.