Use of virtual learning to increase key laboratory skills and essential non-cognitive characteristics

Abstract

Simulation based learning has emerged as a new tool that potentially could replace and amplify the real-world experience in a fully interactive way. This learning technique can play a key role in the classroom setting to provide engineering students with the required knowledge and skills. In order to evaluate the possibility of using virtual bioprocess engineering laboratory as a tool in learning to mitigate practical dilemmas in chemical engineering curriculum, a virtual bioprocess engineering laboratory has been designed and developed at the University of Waikato. The virtual laboratory was made available to the third-year chemical engineering students enrolled in the biotechnology course. Participants were asked to attend both the physical and virtual laboratories and complete a range of questionnaires. It was found that by conducting the virtual bioprocess engineering laboratory, students gained a deeper understanding about fermentation principles, laboratory safety rules, experiment design and analysis of data. Based on the results, virtual reality bioprocess engineering laboratory can also provide a safe, affordable and timely experience to gain the required bioprocess engineering proficiency and skills. More than 90 % of students found the virtual lab to be an essential tool to undertake hands-on experiments effectively.