An approach to Virtual Laboratory Design and Testing

Abstract

Laboratory experiments and research are important parts in natural science education. They supplement the theoretical learning material and contribute to deeper learn of a subject. The realization of such activities requires an ap-propriate laboratory equipment and reagents that are often either inaccessible or incomplete. Virtual labs solve this prob-lem and provide the performing of the same experiment repeatedly without any restriction. An interactive laboratory envi-ronment engages pupils in active learning to enhance their understanding of processes and practical skills and promotes a successful e-learning strategy. Virtual Lab includes a lot of embedded experiments that the student must perform via cer-tain scenarios. In the paper an approach to design of laboratory experiments for virtual lab environment and their scenarios implementation testing is suggested. Experiments design patterns are based on finite-state automaton model. The object-oriented approach for virtual experiment implementation is provided. For testing pattern a methodology of class testing is used. The suggested approaches are realized in the presented virtual laboratory environments for Chemistry and Biology that have been developed to support laboratory study in Armenian schools, colleges, and universities. These methods will be used in long-term research activity in the field of creation of virtual laboratories on different disciplines: organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, and biology as well as during developing others virtual laboratories.