Delivery Systems | SimBio

Delivery Systems

SimBio currently supports two delivery systems for its teaching tools, both of which are customizable and subscription-based, allowing instructors to pick and choose content to fit their curriculum. The original SimUText System® is client-based, requiring the installation of software. The next-generation SimBio Active Learning System™ is web-based, which means it runs on Chromebooks. While some features of the new system are under development, we are scaling up and are excited to make it available for eligible Spring 2026 courses!

Which platform is right for you?

Choose the SimBio Active Learning System if:

In addition to Mac or Windows, your students use Chromebooks/ChromeOS computers and would benefit from the convenience and ease of the web-based system.
You want access to our NEW content, including a brand-new tutorial/lab exploring photosynthesis.

Choose the SimUText application if:

You have used SimUText in the past and require detailed student performance tools in your Instructor Portal. (Parts of the performance section are still under development in the SimBio Active Learning System™.)
You require access to content that has not yet been converted to the new system.

Background
The SimUText System® was developed with SBIR funding from the National Science Foundation. The first version was released in 2010. Although it has been a very successful product, as client-based software it requires installation on a user's computer, a challenging prerequisite for many students. Building on the success of the SimUText System, in 2025 SimBio began gradually rolling out the SimBio Active Learning System™, our next-generation, web-based delivery system designed for improved accessibility. Although some features in the new Instructor Platform remain under development, the new system has been successfully used in wide variety of college courses and received resoundingly positive feedback.

“[SimBio’s modules] provide a powerful environment for hands-on, active learning in Ecology and Evolution. The depth, design, and pedagogical effectiveness of these packages is unequaled. They have greatly enriched student interest and understanding in all of my courses, from Introductory Biology to Advanced Population Biology”

— Dr. Brad Lister

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“The lab simulations have been very helpful to reinforce the lecture content and encourage students to use critical thinking skills to solve problems.”

— Patti Fallest-Strobl

Neumann University

“I was amazed how quickly and effortlessly the simulation taught them a dynamic system.”

— Paula Philbrick

University of Connecticut

“The students like [it] so much that they are working ahead of what I have assigned. They just think it’s fun. And from the quiz results I have so far, they’re really getting it. You guys are geniuses.”

— Paulette Bierzychudek

Lewis & Clark College

“Since we began using Simbio’s Ecology chapters our students consistently come to class better prepared. This is a key to the success of our hybrid flipped classroom approach.”

— Dr. Peter Curtis

Ohio State University

“That was the most fun I’ve had teaching ecology and, I would venture to guess, the most fun my students have had taking ecology from me.”

— Matt Orr

Oregon State University, Cascades

“Our students are more prepared and our class discussions are more sophisticated because SimUText is such a great out of class “instructor”. Since our students have SimUText preparation we can spend class time applying concepts and evaluating new information.”

— Emily Bernhardt

Duke University

“I LOVE that every lab is based on a real study. I LOVE that all of the labs offer an open-ended inquiry. I LOVE that the labs gradually teach the concepts and build up a repertoire of data collection techniques. Thank you, for creating them.”

— Jeanette Williams

Community College of Vermont

“I just wanted to say how great simutext has been. I could have memorized facts about the electron transport chain and passed the test, but would not have had any solid concept of what was happening inside. I hope that we continue to use it often even when things return to normal.”

— Student

Rochester Community and Technical College

“Congratulations for developing such a high quality chapter. I was very impressed by its comprehensiveness, accuracy, and thoughtful design. It really is superb.”

— Richard Boone

Humboldt State University

“I recommend your modules to anyone I can, because of all the online materials I’ve found, SimBio is really the best in content and best managed. I am definitely a SimBio fan!”

— Valerie Anderson

Marymount California University