Virtual Laboratory Research Articles

The impact of virtual laboratories on the academic performance of grade 12 learners in impulse and momentum

Virtual laboratories (labs) have evolved as an important tool in the sciences, delivering interactive and engaging platforms for learners to conduct experiments and comprehend complex concepts without the limitations of physical resources. They are an emerging teaching tool that offers interactive and immersive experiences that improve comprehension of complicated scientific concepts. This study assesses the impact of virtual labs on the academic achievement of Grade 12 learners on the topic of impulse and momentum in physics. It uses a quasi-experimental methodology to compare the performance of learners who used virtual labs to those who learned in the prevailing theoretical settings. A pre-test and post-test were used to assess learners’ academic success, and surveys were used to gather learner feedback on the learning tool. Preliminary data analysis indicates a statistically significant improvement in the test scores of learners using virtual labs, corroborating earlier studies that highlight the advantages of technologically enhanced learning environments. Furthermore, qualitative feedback indicates that learners found virtual labs more interesting and accessible, resulting in a more conducive learning environment. This work adds to the expanding body of evidence supporting the use of virtual labs in science teaching, especially in resource-constrained contexts where traditional laboratory equipment is limited or non-existent. The implications for curriculum design and educational policy are examined, with a focus on the importance of investing in digital infrastructure to support innovative teaching approaches.

The Frontier Areas’ Student Acceptance of Physics Fun-based Mobile Application: Incorporating the Process-Oriented Guided-Inquiry Learning (POGIL) Strategy

The acceptability of technology is an essential factor to consider, particularly in frontier areas that encounter challenges related to availability and limited educational resources. This study aims to evaluate the acceptance of physics learning tools in a virtual laboratory (V-Lab) platform, utilizing the POGIL strategy, referred to as the Physics Fun-based mobile application. Mobile learning refers to the learning process carried out through mobile devices such as smartphones. The implementation took place at a senior high school located in West Papua Province, one of Indonesia's frontier areas, with 136 students participating. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) were employed in this quantitative study. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was implemented for data analysis. The findings indicated that Attitude (ATT) and Behavioral Intention (BI) were significantly influenced by Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) and Subjective Norm (SN), respectively, while Perceived Usefulness (PU) did not have a direct effect on ATT. As a result, to enhance the acceptance of technology, teachers and technology developers should prioritize enhancing ease of use and reinforcing social factors. This should be done with a particular emphasis on the social benefits and simple accessibility of technology in the learning process, particularly in frontier areas.

The Introduction of Automation in Control of Virtualized Laboratory Complex Components at Higher Educational Institution

The intensity of the use of remote work and learning tools has increased significantly during the pandemic and has led to the emergence of new tools and a significant increase in the capabilities of previously developed technology platforms. The introduc­tion of modern technologies based on software control and complex visualization for the creation of virtual laboratory complexes in educational institutions provides virtually unlimited opportunities for organizing individual and distance forms of practical classes. Modern learning management platforms that able to integrate with the database of university students makes it possible to evaluate the quality of students' work with various types of course learning materials in real time. The article shows that the use of virtual communication infrastructures in connection to the Moodle learning management platform will provide end-to-end control of the theoretical and practical components of the educational process and will automate the processes of preparing and conducting practical classes, which will improve the quality of the educational process and the teacher efficiency.

The effect of guided inquiry-based virtual and physical laboratories on science learning outcomes

ABSTRACT Background Developments in technology have rapidly advanced the variety, features, and applications of virtual labs (VL) in teaching. However, it is debated whether VL can be used instead of physical labs (PL) because more is needed to address the tactile and sensory senses and to gain motor skills that PL has. While many studies have compared VL and PL, few have examined the impact of these laboratories using contemporary learning methods. Purpose This study aims to comparatively examine the effects of guided inquiry-based learning of electrical circuits and Ohm’s law in VL and PL on the conceptual understanding, science process skills, problem-solving, and views of pre-service science teachers (PST). Sample The study was carried out with 26 PSTs studying in the first year of a science teaching program at a state university in Türkiye. Design and Methods The study is in a true experimental design with the pretest-posttest control group. The matched pairs of PSTs were randomly assigned to the VL (n = 13) and PL (n = 13). Three-tier simple electrical circuits concept test, science process skill test in multiple formats, problem-solving inventory, and open-ended questionnaire were used for completing the data collection process. Results Results revealed that guided inquiry-based VL and PL were equally effective in increasing PSTs’ conceptual understanding. While VL is more effective in completing knowledge gaps, PL is more effective in developing science process skills. Neither has a significant effect on problem-solving. Conclusions Both VL and PL have advantages and disadvantages in terms of the types of learning outcomes. Consequently, guided inquiry-based VL and PL are recommended to use in science teaching as complements to each other.

Dataset on the Availability of Physics Resources and Usage of Virtual Labs in Rwandan Secondary Schools

Dataset on the Availability of Physics Resources and Usage of Virtual Labs in Rwandan Secondary Schools

Developing a Cloud and IoT-Integrated Remote Laboratory to Enhance Education 4.0: An Approach for FPGA-Based Motor Control

Remote laboratories are essential in addressing access and quality challenges in technical education. They enable students from various locations to engage with real equipment, overcome geographic and economic constraints, and provide solutions during crises, such as pandemics, when in-person learning is limited. As a key element of Education 4.0, remote labs promote technical skill development, enhance engineering education, and support diverse learning approaches. This study presents a remote laboratory based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), developed using a waterfall methodology integrating IoT and Cloud Computing technologies to facilitate close interaction between hardware and software. The lab focuses on controlling DC, servo, and stepper motors, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts such as digital signals, pulse-width modulation (PWM), and data representation in bits in a practical setting. The testing phase involved 50 robotics and mechatronics engineering students who participated in hands-on sessions for one month, followed by a structured survey evaluating their experience, interaction, and the educational relevance of the platform. The survey shows high student satisfaction, highlighting the platform’s strengths and identifying areas for improvement. The results also underscore the system’s potential to significantly enhance the educational experience in remote environments, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Virtual Digital Laboratory Vernier as a Tool of Implementing STEM-Education Principles in Physics Lessons

The article highlights the results of the theoretical and methodological analysis of the issue of the use of the Vernier digital virtual laboratory as an innovative tool for implementing the principles of STEM education in physics lessons in high school. The purpose of this research paper is to justify the feasibility of integrating digital laboratories into the physics curriculum, which allows for its modernization through the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The study's methodological foundation is based on the active learning concept developed by D. Sokoloff, R. Thornton and P. Laws. According to it, the active nature of learning physics using the Vernier digital laboratory is ensured by the ability to conduct real, high-precision, and multiple measurements of various physical quantities, analyze the obtained data, visualize them as graphs or charts, and interactively adjust and generalize the results of the experiment. The main advantages and disadvantages of using this innovative learning tool have been analyzed, and its compliance with safety, accessibility and adaptability requirements has been determined. The content of implementing the scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical aspects of STEM education through the methodology of using the Vernier digital laboratory in physics lessons has been explored. An example of a tentative lesson plan for a physics class using the Vernier digital laboratory is provided. Based on the conducted research and the practice of using the Vernier digital laboratory in middle school physics lessons, it has been concluded that it has significant and comprehensive educational potential as an innovative tool for implementing STEM education principles.

EcoCommons Australia Virtual Laboratories with Cloud Computing: Meeting Diverse User Needs for Ecological Modeling and Decision-making

Biodiversity decline and climate change are among the most important environmental issues society faces. Information to address these issues has benefited from increasing big data, advances in cloud computing, and subsequent new tools for analytics. Accessing such tools is streamlined by virtual laboratories for ecological analysis, like the ‘Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory’ (BCCVL) and ‘ecocloud’. These platforms help reduce time and effort spent on developing programming skills, data acquisition and curation, plus model building. Recently this functionality was extended, producing EcoCommons Australia—a web-based ecological modeling platform for environmental problem-solving—with upgraded infrastructure and improved ensemble modeling, post-model analysis, workflow transparency and reproducibility. We outline our user-centered approach to systems design, from initial surveys of stakeholder needs to user involvement in testing, and collaboration with specialists. We illustrate EcoCommons and compare model evaluation statistics through four cases studies, highlighting how the modular platform meets users’ needs.

Research Trends of Virtual Laboratory in Science Learning to Improve Affective Domain: a Systematic Literature Review

A virtual laboratory is a simulated environment that enables users to conduct various experiments anytime and anywhere without the need for a physical laboratory. Its main goal is to identify trends (such as publication year, education level, publication journal, keywords used, and academic disciplines) and map the platforms and affective domains related to virtual laboratories in science education. This systematic review utilizes 41 articles found in the scopus database from 2013 to 2023 using pre-determined criteria. The method applied is a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. The results show that publication trends have fluctuated over time, with a significant increase in the last four years. Most studies were conducted at the higher education level, with the journal of chemical education being the most dominant publication outlet. Chemistry emerged as the most frequently explored discipline, and "virtual laboratory" appeared as a commonly used keyword. Various virtual laboratory platforms were employed in these studies, and most of the reported affective domains related to positive attitudes towards the learning process

Effectiveness Discovery Learning and Learning Cycle 5E Integrated Virtual Lab on Learning Outcomes in Acid-Base

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the Discovery learning and Learning Cycle 5E learning models and to see the differences in academic performance from the two models. The method used is experimental. The population in this study were students of class XI Science at SMAN 17 Medan and the samples were class XI Science 4 as experimental class 1 and XI Science 3 as experimental class 2. The research results show that the Discovery Learning model is effective in improving academic performance as evidenced by the average N-gain value of 0.759 in the high category, the Learning Cycle 5E model is effective in academic performance as evidenced by the average N-gain value of 0.751 with high category and there is a significant difference in the academic performance of students who are taught using the Discovery Learning and Learning Cycle 5E models integrated with virtual labs on acid-base material as proven by carrying out by Independent Sample T-test so the output can obtained value of sig is 0.011<0.05.

Artificial intelligence in teaching social disciplines: Opportunities and challenges of tools

Based on the analysis of scientific sources and practical experience in teaching social disciplines, the article reveals the role and problems of using AI in the system of higher education. The scientific opinion about the inevitability of using AI, despite its risks, in teaching social disciplines is expressed. A comparative analysis of the subject area, conceptual apparatus, functional purpose and research methods of social disciplines is carried out. Similar features are revealed, the basis of which is their focus on the scientific study of the social and psychological behaviour of individuals, social groups and communities. On the example of didactic methods of teaching social disciplines in higher education, the expediency of using AI tools in the process of teaching is substantiated. Their main capabilities are personalised learning, forecasting and trend analysis, data visualisation, simulations and virtual laboratories, speech, video and voice interfaces, assessment tools, and generation of comments and feedback. Clarification of the principles and main possibilities of using AI tools has revealed the main problems, which include ethics, reliability, transparency, insufficient professional training of teachers and imperfect legal support. We outline prospects for further research on the peculiarities of using AI tools to teach social disciplines in higher education.

Wazuh SIEM for Cyber Security and Threat Mitigation in Apparel Industries

Security of IT infrastructure is critical in the modern digital environment, particularly for industries that manufacture clothing. The application of the Wazuh Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system to improve security monitoring and compliance for an IT system in the apparel industry is the main topic of this study. To improve the apparel industry cyber threat monitoring system in real-time monitoring, detecting the threat vectors that support the centralized management system, to meet these objectives of the company, an SIEM security management system has been installed and configured with the components of Wazuh manager, indexer, Wazuh agent, and Wazuh dashboard as well. An Oracle virtual lab environment was created to install and configure the Wazuh system a robust Linux operating system was installed at the server level and Windows 10 was installed on the client end to the authenticity failure of the security system. To implement the Wazuh system, the project management guideline was followed which ensured the planning and implementation of the project, testing phases, and along with review and maintenance. Wazuh security management system successfully identified the authentical failure reports and vulnerabilities and generated automated reports from the system that showed the result of 1 critical, 19 high, and 5 medium levels of vulnerabilities shown in Figure 6, and the necessary patch recommended to solve the critical issues. On the other hand, the system also generated security events as well as integrity monitoring system reports. The deployment of the Wazuh security management system ensured the robust cost-effective security management system with high quality for detecting cyber threats which supports the regulatory and compliance requirements and is a viable tool for the apparel industry to protect the stakeholders’ interest.

Innovation of Constructivist Teaching Sequences Model Based on Technology in Biology Material

The learning model is a logical stage for learning students. The learning process must pay attention to the steps that become the basic framework for creating an effective and meaningful student learning process. This study aims to innovate biology learning in metabolism material. The innovation is done by integrating several technologies namely Wordwall, Virtual Lab, and Ms. PowerPoint on the Constructivist Teaching Sequence model. The research method used is a literature review sourced from books, journal articles, research reports, and other relevant documents. This research flow has several stages consisting of literature identification, literature selection, literature analysis, synthesis of findings, and learning model innovation design. The result of this research is an innovative learning recommendation using the technology-assisted Constructivist Teaching Sequence model that can be an alternative high school biology learning model.

Implementing the procedure of measurement phase difference of the model signals using a virtual laboratory practicum

As this virtual laboratory practicum, which is a tool for mastering theoretical principles and practical skills in digital signal processing, was developed, users (mainly students) were given the possibility to parameterize harmonic signals. It includes the determination of the number of samples, sampling rate, amplitudes, initial phases, and other characteristics necessary for accurate metrological measurements. This publication presents the structure of the virtual workshop and the mathematical model underlying it, with an emphasis on aspects of analyzing the procedures for measuring the phase difference of harmonic signal models using the Discrete Fourier Transform. Particular attention is focused on the phase correction algorithm, which is aimed at improving the accuracy of measurements of the phase difference of signals. The presented methodology describes in detail the measurement process, estimation of errors arising from limited measurement time due to non-synchronization, the influence of the initial phase values of signals, and shows how the synchronization process contributes to a significant increase in the accuracy of measuring informative parameters.

Construction and Optimization Strategies for an Online Teaching Platform for College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education

With the advent of a new era, college student entrepreneurship education has garnered significant attention from universities and society at large. The aid of information technology brings new opportunities for the smooth execution of this work. Traditional education modes, affected by objective factors, have clear drawbacks. To enhance contemporary students' innovative abilities and core competitiveness, it is necessary to build a comprehensive online teaching platform for entrepreneurship education based on actual development conditions. This platform can leverage the advantages of the internet and information technology to accurately analyze students' learning abilities and needs, providing them with personalized educational resources. Moreover, incorporating virtual laboratories and simulated entrepreneurship into practical teaching can effectively cultivate students' problem-solving abilities, fostering the development of entrepreneurship education in universities and nurturing more well-rounded talents for society.

Analysing Virtual Labs Through Integrated Multi-Channel Eye-Tracking Technology: A Proposal for an Explanatory Fit Model

This study deals with an analysis of the cognitive load indicators produced in virtual simulation tasks through supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques. The objectives were (1) to identify the most important cognitive load indicators through the use of supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques; (2) to study which type of task presentation was most effective at reducing the task’s intrinsic load and increasing its germane load; and (3) to propose an explanatory model and find its fit indicators. We worked with a sample of 48 health sciences and biomedical engineering students from the University of Burgos (Spain). The results indicate that being able to see the task before performing it increases the germane load and decreases the intrinsic load. Similarly, allowing students a choice of presentation channel for the task respects how they process information. In addition, indicators of cognitive load were found to be grouped into components of position, speed, psychogalvanic response, and skin conductance. An explanatory model was proposed and obtained acceptable fit indicators.

Challenge-Based Learning and Scrum as Enablers of 4.0 Technologies in Engineering Education

Incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies in higher education is crucial for preparing future engineers in a digitalized industrial environment. A challenge-based educational model and the agile Scrum methodology were implemented to move in this direction, combined with the use of Industry 4.0 technologies. New physical and virtual laboratories were enabled with Industry 4.0 hardware/software equipment. The engineering academic programs at the second-largest university in Chile were modified, and all the academic staff involved were trained. Based on conducting challenges that Industry 4.0 technologies can address, this study presents the results of implementing a new educational model and students’ response to freely adopting new technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and collaborative robotics. The results showed a high rate of acceptance and use of 4.0 technologies by the students, so the proposed methodology could be extrapolated to other engineering programs worldwide.

The Effect of Using Virtual Laboratories Using the Guided Discovery Learning Model on Students' Conceptual Understanding of Static Electricity Material

This study aims to test or examine the effect of the use of virtual laboratories using the Guided Discovery Learning model on students' conceptual understanding abilities in static electricity material. This type of research is a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group research design. The population in this study were all students of class XII of SMAN 1 Monta. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling with class XII MIPA 2 consisting of 28 students as the experimental class and class XII MIPA 1 consisting of 28 students as the control class. Before and after the treatment, both classes were given a conceptual understanding ability test in the form of essay questions that had previously been tested for their feasibility with validity, reliability, difficulty level of questions, and discriminatory power. The results of the initial test (Pretest) and final test (Posttest) of conceptual understanding ability were analyzed for homogeneity and normality to conduct a hypothesis test. The analysis of the hypothesis test using the t-test obtained a t_count of 3.49 and a t_table of 2.00. Thus, the calculated t_value is greater than the t_table, so H_0 is rejected and H_a is accepted, so it can be concluded that there is an influence of the use of virtual laboratories using the Guided Discovery Learning model on students' conceptual understanding abilities in static electricity material.

Perception and Effectiveness of Online Anatomy Lab Exercise on Undergraduate Students of BPKIHS During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Online mode of teaching learning activities were started for medical students of Nepal to reduce the risk of spreading virus during COVID-19 pandemic. BPKIHS started the modified online lab exercise (LABEX) for the undergraduate students after six months of pandemic. Objective: The main objective of study was to evaluate the student’s perception and effectiveness of modified online LABEX (prior content video uploading) during pandemic. Methods: The mixed method cross-sectional study design using semi-structured questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire had sub-sections such as questions regarding students’ means of study, students’ perception on modified online lab exercise during pandemic and reflective writing. We collected the responses from 129 students after institutional ethical clearance and informed consent. Student’s paired test for analysis of effectiveness of modified online LABEX was done by using pre-test/post-test score. Thematic analysis was performed for reflective writing. A p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean age was calculated as 20.84 year. The modified online LABEX increase the scoring of students for three consecutive sessions with an average score of 1.71; 1.55 & 1.09 respectively (p<0.001). We formulated 15 codes and 3 themes from reflective writing such as strength, weakness and recommendation of modified online LABEX. We found that “Accessibility of recorded Labex” (n=54) was major strength and “less efficient of online LABEX” (n=57) was major weakness. Conclusions: Although physical form of anatomy education is best way of learning but modified online LABEX can be used as alternative during pandemic like situations in future

Advancing Electric Engineering Education through Immersive Virtual Reality: Deep Learning and Evolutionary Algorithms for Image Stitching and Rectification in Virtual Lab Environments

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has emerged as a transformative tool in education, offering immersive and interactive experiences that enhance learning outcomes. This paper delves into the application of image stitching and rectification techniques to create a VR lab environment, specifically tailored for electrical engineering education. The importance of VR technology in education is explored, highlighting its role in promoting active learning and providing experiential learning opportunities. The primary emphasis of this Paper lies in the smooth incorporation of image stitching algorithms for the creation of panoramic perspectives, along with the implementation of rectification techniques to correct irregular borders within the stitched images. By utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Genetic Algorithms (GAs), the proposed approach optimizes the rectification process, resulting in visually cohesive representations. Demonstrating the utilization of the VR lab across a range of situations, such as examining power transfer and creating control panels for water pumps in irrigation initiatives, the immersive setting enables students to delve into intricate systems. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using various metrics, including mean squared error, peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), and Fréchet inception distance (FID). the combination of deep learning algorithm specifically (CNN) and optimization algorithm specifically (Genetic algorithm (GA)) led to an increase in the accuracy of the rectified images where the average PSNR reached 23.98, SSIM was 0.8066, and FID was 18.72. Regarding the users’ opinion about the generated environment by stitching and rectifying images, participants demonstrated consistent positive sentiments, with mean scores ranging from 3.65 to 4.03, all above the scale midpoint, and moderate variability indicated by standard deviation values ranging from 1.070 to 1.251, suggesting general favorability with some variation in responses. This experience empowers the users to gain insights and cultivate essential problemsolving abilities at a heightened level. Collaborative learning is facilitated, enabling students to engage in collaborative projects regardless of their physical location. Through the synthesis of image processing techniques and VR technology, this research contributes to the enrichment of educational experiences and the advancement of electrical engineering education.