The Extent to Which Teachers of Science Subjects Use Virtual Scientific Laboratories during Corona Virus Pandemic: The Reality & Hope

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the reality of the use of virtual scientific laboratories when teaching science subjects at the basic stage in Amman’s public schools which is the capital city of Jordan. The quantitative method was used. A survey with quantitative treatment in which the data processed through the SPSS has been applied. The study population consisted of all teachers of sciences; mainly, the teachers who teaches the science subjects for the first grades in the public schools available in Amman. A survey was prepared to collect data and information consisting of (49) items (see the appendix) with two fields which are the reality of the use of virtual laboratories in teaching science subjects and obstacles and the teachers’ viewpoints towards the use of the virtual laboratory and significance. The findings of the study showed the following: (1) there are many obstacles that prevent the use of virtual scientific laboratories technology in teaching science subjects at the basic stage including the lack of infrastructure and the lack of the financial capabilities necessary to secure the needs of the virtual laboratories, (2) teachers of science subjects are fear of taking responsibility while using the virtual laboratory when teaching science subjects, and (3) teachers of science subjects are not satisfied with using the virtual laboratory because it takes too much time while teaching sciences classes through educational platforms. Moreover, many students do not have enough internet. The study recommended the necessity to find an infrastructure for virtual laboratories and to train teachers to use them in order to reduce any educational loss in science subjects during crises particularly Corona Virus pandemic.