Side by side

McGraw Hill Virtual Labs vs REDTAIL

Both stand on virtual lab software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

McGraw Hill Virtual Labs

Paid Web

Virtual Labs combines multi-subject simulations with assessments and several course delivery routes. The listed price is for a Connect plan focused on microbiology content.

Visit McGraw Hill Virtual Labs

REDTAIL connects course exercises with both simulations and remote laboratory equipment, giving students a way to compare simulated and physical results. Its public source code and no-hardware deployment option may suit educators adapting or deploying remote lab scenarios.

Visit REDTAIL

The facts

	McGraw Hill Virtual Labs	REDTAIL
Free plan	Not published	Not published
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Web	Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid plan	Connect Online Access for Microbiology Virtual Labs: $84.94 a month	Not published
Plans published	1	None
Maker	McGraw Hill Virtual Labs	Not published
Website	mheducation.com	redtail.rhlab.ece.uw.edu
On virtual lab software	#22 of 27	#26 of 27

McGraw Hill Virtual Labs: what it does well

Catalog includes over 135 accessible simulations
Customizable pre-lab and post-lab assessments
Integrates with Blackboard Learn, Brightspace, Canvas and Moodle
Can be assigned through ALEKS and Connect

What to know first

Listed plan is specific to Microbiology Virtual Labs
The listed plan costs $84.94 a month

REDTAIL: what it does well

Combines simulated practice and remote equipment in assignments.
Catalog offers exercise and simulation listings.
Provides filters for exercise category, device, and difficulty.
Source code is publicly inspectable.

What to know first

Students receive activities and access instructions from instructors.
Instructor solutions require approval.
Public setup instructions specify Python 3.12, Node, and MySQL.

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