Programme implementation

Students are virtually transported to a 3D augmented reality laboratory. Wearing AR headsets or using AR apps on tablets/phones, they enter a digital environment where DNA strands are magnified and float in front of them.

The AR application guides students through the following steps:

The mission: correct a defective gene within a virtual cell using CRISPR-Cas9.

  1. Identify the defective gene: scan a DNA strand to locate the error.
  2. Design the guide RNA: select the sequence that matches the defective region.
  3. Activate Cas9: observe the enzyme cutting the DNA at exactly the desired location.
  4. Repair the DNA: choose the correct replacement sequence, observe the cell “repairing” itself.

During the exercise, the AR system explains each step in simple language, supported by animations and interactive feedback.

Examples from other schools and laboratories around the world can be shown: genetics students use virtual laboratories to practise DNA editing before performing real experiments, reducing risks and costs.

Student performance is measured in the AR lab:

Did they select the correct guide RNA?

Did they successfully correct the gene?

How many attempts did it take?

They receive immediate digital feedback, which reinforces their learning.