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USE OF IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL SIMULATORS IN THE LEARNING OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
In recent decades, education in cellular and molecular biology has faced the challenge of facilitating the learning of highly abstract concepts that are difficult to visualize. Immersive virtual reality simulators have emerged as innovative tools to overcome this difficulty by allowing students to interact with three-dimensional environments that represent cellular structures and molecular processes. This document examines the use of these simulators in educational contexts, with an emphasis on higher education and hybrid modalities. It analyzes the pedagogical foundations that support their implementation, as well as the methodologies used to evaluate their impact. The studies reviewed highlight several benefits: increased student motivation and interest, improved understanding and retention of complex concepts, and the development of practical skills in simulated environments. It also identifies significant challenges to their widespread integration, such as technological limitations, the need for teacher training, and the costs associated with their use. En conjunto, los resultados sugieren que los simuladores virtuales inmersivos constituyen una estrategia didáctica eficaz para fortalecer el aprendizaje significativo en ciencias biológicas, al proporcionar experiencias activas, contextualizadas y centradas en el estudiante. Finalmente, se ofrecen recomendaciones para su adopción responsable en programas académicos, subrayando la importancia de acompañar la innovación tecnológica con procesos de formación pedagógica y evaluación continua del impacto en el aprendizaje.
