Virtual Laboratory Research Articles

Exploring the efficacy of collaborative learning in a remote robotics laboratory: a comparative analysis of performance and pedagogical approaches

In today's world, remote-controlled robots are widely used across various industries due to their ability to enhance working efficiency in various applications. Learning about robot operation and human–computer interaction has emerged as a popular topic in recent times. Indeed, learning robotics can be challenging for many students as it requires knowledge of programming, control systems, electronics, etc. Collaborative learning in a physical robotics setting is common in higher education and has received significant attention for its potential to enhance individual learning outcomes. However, the effectiveness of learning robotics in a remote setting is still a matter of debate. In this study, we establish a remote laboratory environment to teach undergraduate students in the engineering discipline. Students are required to utilize a robotic arm to grasp designated objects collaboratively among students through synchronous interactions online. To compare students’ performance under different pedagogical teaching approaches, students are divided into two groups. They each perform the task individually and collaboratively, albeit in a different order. Our study adopts a quantitative method to measure students' learning outcomes based on the assessment of performing the laboratory tasks and completion time. The results indicate a noteworthy improvement in the individual performance of the group of students who engage in collaborative work prior to the individual tasks. These findings have implications for other remote laboratory setups and highlight the effectiveness of collaborative learning in higher education.

Center for Cyber-Physical Systems: Immersive Visualization and Simulation Environment

Abstract Immersive display systems in the form of head-mounted displays or full-size, walkable display systems can provide an intuitive environment for a multitude of applications. Applications include exploration, simulation for training, and experimental studies to learn about people's behavior. Some display systems utilize large-scale and high-resolution configurations, which can be very effective in data exploration and visualization. This paper describes the infrastructure available at Wright State University with its advantages and disadvantages and discusses some of its use cases as well as its setup and administration. Different software frameworks are discussed that are built upon as is or their capabilities extended to provide additional features, such as touch support. Insight is provided into managing and administering a virtual reality laboratory effectively and efficiently by minimizing the effort to keep the infrastructure operational.

A comparison of students' preferences for face-to-face and online laboratory sessions: insights from students' perception of their learning experiences in an immunology course.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has prompted educators in universities to reconsider their teaching methods, mainly due to the social distancing measures imposed within the classroom settings. On the other hand, the growing importance of continuing education opportunities for adult learners after graduation has seen the need to transform traditional teaching modes that primarily depend on face-to-face interaction into virtual modes, which are deemed more time- and cost-efficient. These major shifts in social and economic developments have a significant impact on the evolution of curriculum planning in higher education. Education that has scientific inquiry components inevitably comes into question, as conventional beliefs that experiments should be hands-on and will not be as effective if conducted virtually cast doubts on the move to the online space. This paper discusses the background of an impending shift in a university's approach to more online-based laboratory classes in an immunology course, as well as the exploration of the potential of conducting online laboratory experiments based on student perceptions.

Effective virtual laboratory to build constructivist thinking in electrical measurement practicum

Constructivism serves as a basic theory in education, and plays an important role, because this perspective views learning as a dynamic process in which students actively participate in constructing their knowledge. So, this research aims to produce a virtual laboratory that is valid and effective in developing constructivist thinking. This research and development use the Ploom approach which consists of initial investigation, design, construction/realization, testing, evaluation, revision, and implementation. Thirty-two electrical engineering students from Padang State University participated in this research. The instruments used are validity instruments and constructivism assessment tools. The research results show that the Proteus-based virtual laboratory developed is valid and effective in fostering constructivist thinking in electrical measurement practice. This study contributes to the advancement of virtual laboratories in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of constructivist pedagogy for meaningful and engaging learning experiences in the field of electrical engineering. The results of this research open opportunities for further research regarding the exploration of artificial intelligence to improve constructivism through virtual laboratories.

The trepidatious return to in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic: valuable lessons applied from online teaching using Lt in the face-to-face classroom

The speed at which educators have embraced new technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic has been remarkable. This pivot to virtual instruction has been particularly diffcult in courses where hands-on experiences are the norm, such as in anatomy and physiology laboratory courses. Now with the transition back to mostly in-person instruction, the anatomy and physiology lab environment has faced a new set of challenges where the want to return to a strictly hands-on experience is being met with the need to still maintain flexibility and accessibility for students placed in quarantine. The anatomy and physiology lab curriculum at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has adapted to this varied set of needs by adopting the use of the web-based laboratory software platform, Lt. Students in introductory anatomy and physiology labs surveyed during strictly virtual semesters reported a high level of satisfaction with the Lt lab software. Ratings regarding ease of use, support of learning, and overall ratings increased each semester with the highest ratings occurring during the recent semesters where instruction returned to mostly in-person and hands-on (Fall 2021 – Spring 2022). Interestingly, beginning in 2022 and continuing into fall of 2023, ratings of overall satisfaction began to decrease. Although it is currently diffcult to determine the root cause of this decrease in satisfaction, we speculate that many students are becoming fatigued with the continued use of seemingly virtual labs. Although most lab exercises are hands-on and include dissections and live physiological recordings, we think that the continued use of a virtual interface is too reminiscent of learning under quarantine conditions. Even with variations in ratings regarding Lt use in our introductory anatomy and physiology laboratories, our data still help to support the widely held belief that students perform best, and that instruction is more effective with face-to-face laboratory courses. With our continued use of Lt, we have found an effective combination of virtual and in-person instruction that best fits our course outcomes while still supporting the flexibility and accessibility our students require. Research reported in this poster was supported by the University of the Incarnate Word Offce of Research and Graduate Studies. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Flipped Team-based Learning as Universal Design for Learning Physiology

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework to guide the design of learning environments that are both accessible and challenging. The UDL follows three principles: Multiple means of engagement, multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression Lessons plan using UDL anticipates various learning styles, different interests, academic backgrounds, disability status, age, gender, race, and ethnicity. Constructivism is a learner-centered theory of learning in which the instructor is considered a facilitator. In social constructivism, learning is facilitated through interactions with peers and instructors who can guide and support learning. Team-based learning (TBL) is an example of social constructivism. In this session, participants will learn how to implement the various stages of TBL for Biomedical Sciences that could be easily translated into other disciplines. Michelsen & Sweet introduced the essential elements of TBL as a guide for instructors to implement this approach in higher education courses. The main goal of TBL is "ensuring that students have the opportunity to practice course concepts to solve a problem." The model presented by Michelsen consists of 5-7 learning modules that follow three-step cycles: 1) preparation step (pre-class). This step was created as "flipped" classroom with a variety of learning methods, assessments and virtual labs with immediate feedback to facilitate preparedness for step two 2) Step two is class readiness assurance; in this step, students take a two-step quiz process. First, students complete a quiz individually and submit their answers in scantron form. Subsequently, students re-take the quiz using the Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF-AT) as a team. Afterwards, students can challenge any questions they may have missed. Then, the instructor spends the last 10-15 minutes of the class for a short lecture to clarify misconceptions and review the questions. The readiness assurance portion lasts between 45-75 minutes. Finally, 3) step 3 is called "Application of Course Concepts," in which application assignments are given to the teams. This period takes 1-4 hours, and thus, the most significant component of TBL is application. We hypothesize that flipped TBL can be effectively used as a UDL for undergraduate and graduate physiology courses. Undergraduate and graduate students report better understanding of concepts, engagement, and inclusion after participating on a TBL course. Conclusion: Flipped TBL is a powerful and effective teaching strategy to create an inclusive environment in physiology courses. APS Teaching Career Enhancement Award and University of Louisville Department of Physiology. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Development of Virtual Classes and Laboratories with Remote Access

When comparing a few decades ago to now, the educational system has undergone various technological revolutions, particularly with the usage of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), which have changed the process of teaching and learning. VLEs with internet services play a major role in the storage of information and its dissemination. With the use of VLEs, there emerges the challenge of bringing practical classes online, engaging the students in practical sessions as it is in traditional laboratories. Though, there have been various simulators but they are not geared towards educational sessions but practically for industrial use and are not curriculum-based, this has been a major concern in engaging the students practically at a distance level according to the instructor’s plan. Hence, in this work, a robust VLE has been designed and implemented. The system has an evaluated model that was developed with MySQL and PHP, which served as the database and server-side programming, respectively. The proposed VLE offers an interactive web-enabled approach for online learning and practice, practical recordings are uploaded, and practical simulations are handled. Qualitative assessments were carried out on the gathered data from the 100 respondents through the use of the questionnaire. Performance metrics such as response time, latency, availability, reliability and scalability were used to conduct a comparative analysis between the existing VLEs and the developed VLE. The findings of the study showed that the utilisation of the proposed VLE has the potential to cause a positive transformation and a paradigm shift in educational institutions.

An Investigation of the Impact of Online and In-Person Delivery of Undergraduate Biology Instruction

Online learning is a well-established and growing, yet controversial and widely criticized, component of higher education. In this study, in-person and online versions of an undergraduate introductory biology class were compared to determine whether the online version of the course promoted student performance as well as the in-person course. Student survey responses were also analyzed to identify which teaching modality students perceived to be most effective at promoting learning, and to determine which components of the course were perceived by students to be most effective. No statistically significant difference was observed in exam scores or course grades between the two course modalities. Interestingly, some course components, such as completing virtual labs, were perceived to be more effective in the online version of the course, while others, such as participating in class discussions, were ranked as more effective for the in-person course offering; other components were ranked as similarly effective in both versions of the course. Therefore, this study provides evidence that online education can be effective if appropriately designed and implemented, and it provides a framework for strengthening the effectiveness of online education in the future.

Inquiry-based astronomy in West Java secondary schools

This study investigates the presence and utilisation of inquiry-based activities in astronomy education within secondary science and physics classrooms. Employing document analysis, surveys, classroom observations, and interviews, the study comprehensively assesses the nature of inquiry activities, teachers’ experiences, integration of astronomy into curriculum, resources availability and science teachers’ perceived proficiency in astronomical observation skills. Findings from 50 secondary science and senior high physics teachers reveal coverage of the Solar System and Earth–Moon–Sun motion in secondary science, and integration of astronomy concepts like universal gravitation and Kepler’s laws into physics classrooms. However, inquiry-based astronomy teaching is limited, with only 10% of educators feeling proficient in telescope use and low adoption of virtual laboratories and simulations. The study underscores the necessity for adaptive inquiry-based activities in astronomy education to enhance science and physics classrooms, proposing direct and indirect celestial object observation, virtual inquiries, and hands-on simulations to bridge skill gaps and resource utilisation shortcomings, thus enriching astronomy education at the secondary level.

Lighting pathways to success in STEM: a virtual Laboratory Meeting Programme (LaMP) mutually benefits mentees and host laboratories.

Developing robust professional networks can help shape the trajectories of early career scientists. Yet, historical inequities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields make access to these networks highly variable across academic programmes, and senior academics often have little time for mentoring. Here, we illustrate the success of a virtual Laboratory Meeting Programme (LaMP). In this programme, we matched students (mentees) with a more experienced scientist (mentors) from a research group. The mentees then attended the mentors' laboratory meetings during the academic year with two laboratory meetings specifically dedicated to the mentee's professional development. Survey results indicate that mentees expanded their knowledge of the hidden curriculum as well as their professional network, while only requiring a few extra hours of their mentor's time over eight months. In addition, host laboratories benefitted from mentees sharing new perspectives and knowledge in laboratory meetings. Diversity of the mentees was significantly higher than the mentors, suggesting that the programme increased the participation of traditionally under-represented groups. Finally, we found that providing a stipend was very important to many mentees. We conclude that virtual LaMPs can be an inclusive and cost-effective way to foster trainee development and increase diversity within STEM fields with little additional time commitment.

Pengaruh Model Problem Based Learning Terintegrasi Virtual Lab Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Pada Materi Perubahan Energi

The ability to think critically plays a crucial role in the learning process, enabling students to develop cognitive skills and overcome challenges. The expression of critical thinking skills is reflected in the way students solve problems, analyze ideas based on facts, and formulate conclusions. Science education emphasizes the student's ability to build and develop critical, logical, analytical, systematic, empirical, and exploratory thinking to discover ideas and creativity through various activities linked to real-life conditions. This study aims to explain the influence of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Model Integrated with Virtual Lab on Students' Critical Thinking Skills in Energy and Its Transformations Material in Grade IV at Muslim Cendekia Elementary School.This research employs a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design method, specifically the Nonequivalent Control Group Design. A quasi-experiment is an experimental design conducted without randomization, but still involves dividing participants into groups. Based on Table 4.4, the t-value for critical thinking skills is 4.251 with a probability of 0.000. Since the probability (Sig.) 0.000 ≤ 0.05, H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted, indicating a significant influence of the PBL model integrated with Virtual Lab on students' critical thinking skills. The results demonstrate that the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model integrated with the PhET Virtual Lab significantly affects critical thinking skills. Each aspect of the model helps students solve problems when using the PBL-Virtual Lab PhET. The integrated PBL with Virtual Lab PhET directly provides students with experiential knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

The Reality of Using Virtual Labs in Teaching at the University of Jordan from the Viewpoint of Faculty Members

This study aimed to identify the reality of using virtual laboratories in teaching at the University of Jordan from the Viewpoint of faculty members, and the effect of variables: college, academic rank, gender, and years of experience on the reality of faculty members’ use of virtual laboratories in teaching. The study population and its sample consisted of all faculty members who teach courses that include practical credits in the faculties of Engineering & Science at the University of Jordan. To achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire consisting of (23) items was developed and then distributed -after verifying its validity and reliability- to the study sample in the second semester of 2020/2021. The results showed that the level of using virtual laboratories in teaching was medium. Further, they indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the means of the estimates of the members of the study sample due to the variables of college, academic rank, gender, and years of experience.

FEATURES OF ORGANIZING STEAM EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS USING IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Formulation of the problem. The rapid development of technologies in the modern world opens up new horizons for education. Integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) holds particular significance as a transformative approach, fostering interdisciplinary learning and preparing students for the challenges of a knowledge-based and digitized society. The transition from a traditional approach to STEAM education becomes even more captivating with the incorporation of immersive technologies. This direction, merging technical and creative aspects, requires an innovative approach to the organization of educational projects, considering the new opportunities and challenges presented by virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Materials and methods. To achieve the goal of our research, we used the following methods: systematic and comparative analysis of pedagogical, psychological, philosophical, and sociological works, methodic literature, and analysis of the pedagogical experience of using immersive technologies to organize STEAM projects at school; synthesis and generalization to formulate the main provisions of the study; interviews and questionnaires of teachers regarding their understanding and attitude to immersive technologies as a means of implementing STEAM projects at school; interpretation of research results. We analyzed 18 scientific sources, including 14 Scopus-indexed articles, two reports (the educational report from Horizon 2020 and the "State of the Industry Report" from the XR Association), and two scientific studies by Ukrainian researchers. Eighty-seven teachers participated in interviews and surveys conducted through Google Forms. Results. Creating and organizing a STEAM educational project using immersive technologies involves the following teacher actions: forming a project name by the student's learning goals, educational content, and the project result as its product; creating a reference project; determining the subject, topic, age of students, project preparation time, learning time, essential immersive technologies; forming the purpose of the first lesson and project tasks to immerse and motivate students about the project; identifying problematic issues that should reflect the actual context or problem. We have characterized teachers' attitudes towards immersive technologies when organizing and conducting such projects. Based on the study's results, we have identified the features of organizing STEAM projects using immersive technologies: expanding the field of creativity with AR and VR, immersion in scientific concepts and conducting experiments through the use of virtual laboratories, visualizing abstract ideas through the use of augmented reality, interacting with technology through mixed reality projects, and teamwork in immersive environments. Conclusions. Immersive technologies in STEAM education have advantages (e.g., gaining practical experience, forming interdisciplinary connections through interdisciplinary learning, cooperation, communication, adaptive environment, and request for creativity) in teaching.

Implementing Discovery Learning Model using Virtual Laboratory: An Insight to Differentiation Learning Strategies

Students have unique and diverse characteristics. One of the strategies used to facilitate student diversity is through differentiation learning. The research aims to explain the findings or problems of case studies in learning Physics at SMAN 8 Yogyakarta and explain the differentiated learning to solve these problems. The research approach used is qualitative with the case study method. Data collection techniques use non-test techniques using documentation and observation. Based on the results, differentiated learning can facilitate the needs of students who have diverse learning modalities, including students with visual and kinesthetic learning modalities. The implementation of discovery learning using virtual laboratories assisted by PhET Colorado can be an alternative learning model in teaching Physics. Future research can measure students' knowledge, attitudes or skills in applying differentiated learning and combining it with other learning models

Academic Path Linked to Research and Extension: The Experience of the Remote Experimentation Laboratory (Rexlab) of The Federal University of Santa Catarina

Objective: This study aims to investigate the trajectory and contributions of the Remote Experimentation Laboratory (RExLab) over its 27 years of existence, focusing on the integration of technology in education and its relevance to teaching and learning. Theoretical Framework: RExLab was founded in 1997 with the aim of promoting digital inclusion and democratization of science education through the provision of Remote Laboratories. Over the years, the research group has added more resources to its projects, such as the integration of technologies in education, teacher training, and the creation of Open Educational Resources (OER), receiving several awards and distinctions along the way. Method: The research adopted a documentary and bibliographical approach, tracking the evolution and impact of RExLab from its inception to the present moment. Data collection was conducted through the analysis of documents and publications related to RExLab. Results and Discussion: The results highlight RExLab's contributions to the integration of technology in education, demonstrating its role in generating practical knowledge to solve specific problems and in understanding the experiences and perceptions related to technology in education. The discussion contextualizes these results in light of the theoretical framework, emphasizing the importance of RExLab for teaching and learning. Research Implications: This research reflects on how RExLab can continue to be an ally in the integration of technology in education, even in the face of future challenges. Its implications encompass both the field of education and applied research. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of RExLab as a successful model in the integration of technology in education over time. Its relevance lies in the emphasis on the practical application of research and in promoting equality through education.

The IndagApp mobile app: an inquiry-based science teaching resource: usability evaluation with pre-service teachers

Virtual laboratories and simulations have emerged as innovative solutions for science teaching. However, existing resources have various limitations and constraints including cognitive load/mental burden and limited coverage of all necessary steps in scientific inquiry, focusing mainly on the experimental simulation. To bridge this gap and address these challenges, the present study introduces the design and usability evaluation of IndagApp, an innovative educational resource explicitly developed to support inquiry-based science teaching. A convergent mixed methods design and a convenience sampling of 90 pre-service teachers were used. The findings indicate that IndagApp exhibits a high level of technological and pedagogical usability. Feedback from the users was incorporated to improve the app, resulting in its final version, which incorporates best practices from existing literature on authentic inquiry-based science teaching. IndagApp is freely accessible in the Spanish language, and compatible with Android 5.0 + smartphones and tablets, as well as PCs running Windows 7 or above operating systems. This research provides a timely and significant educational resource that may assist educators in enacting reform-oriented teaching practices.

Development of hots-based virtual laboratory with VBA Excel: improving understanding of temperature and heat concept

Development of hots-based virtual laboratory with VBA Excel: improving understanding of temperature and heat concept

Virtual Laboratory and Self-Efficacy in Optimizing Problem-Solving Skills: A Case in Applied Chemistry Learning in Vocational College

Virtual Laboratory and Self-Efficacy in Optimizing Problem-Solving Skills: A Case in Applied Chemistry Learning in Vocational College

Gamifying cell culture training: The ‘Seru-Otchi’ experience for undergraduates

Working in a stem cell laboratory necessitates a thorough understanding of complex cell culture protocols, the operation of sensitive scientific equipment, adherence to safety standards, and general laboratory etiquette. For novice student researchers, acquiring the necessary specialized knowledge before their initial laboratory experience can be a formidable task. Similarly, for experienced laboratory personnel, efficiently and uniformly training new trainees to a rigorous standard presents a significant challenge. In response to these issues, we have developed an educational and interactive virtual cell culture environment. This interactive virtual lab aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in maintaining cortical brain organoids and to instill an understanding of pertinent safety procedures and laboratory etiquette. The gamification of this training process seeks to provide laboratory supervisors in highly specialized fields with an effective tool to integrate students into their work environments more rapidly and safely.

Is VIRAL Lab Needed? Analysis of Teacher's Needs in Aceh Physics Lab

Virtual and real (VIRAL) laboratories are instructive facilities that can improve both learning results and have their particular advantages. The merger of the two laboratories is expected to significantly increase the effectiveness of the laboratory in learning physics. This study aimed to analyze laboratory activities, especially the VIRAL Lab on school physics subjects in Aceh. The study was conducted on 33 school Physics instructors (8 male and 25 female) in Aceh. This study used a survey method with a questionnaire instrument for laboratory usability investigation. The analysis used was descriptive quantitative. The results of the study illustrate that more than 80% of physics teachers in Aceh require hands-on and virtual labs in online and offline learning, 97% of physics teachers in Aceh still require virtual lab designs, and only 39.3% of teachers have combined VIRAL labs in one physics subject in Aceh. Keywords: VIRAL lab, teacher’s needs, physics lab