Adapting a Bacterial Unknowns Project to Online Learning: Using Microsoft PowerPoint To Create an Unknowns Identification Simulation

The COVID-19 pandemic forced institutions to move to online learning abruptly during the spring 2020 semester. As a result of this swift change, many microbiology laboratory courses chose to switch all in-class learning activities to simulations. To provide students with a remote bacterial unknowns identification project, we developed an unknowns simulation using Microsoft PowerPoint. This simulation provides students with an assignment that allows them to utilize their knowledge in a cumulative project while attending classes remotely. Because this simulation does not require an internet connection and can be performed on any device that is capable of running Microsoft PowerPoint, it provides an accessible and equitable option for students in different learning environments. In addition, the simulation format is flexible enough to be easily customized for any course or assessment style. We provide here details and examples of how to create an unknowns simulation using Microsoft PowerPoint. In addition, a full template and an example simulation are available for download on GitHub at https://github.com/drhodes-berry-college/BacterialUnknowsSimulation.