Assessing the Impact of Virtualizing Physical Labs
Assessing the Impact of Virtualizing Physical Labs
Author(s): Evgenia Paxinou, Vasilis Zafeiropoulos, Athanasios Sypsas, Chairi Kiourt, Dimitris KallesSubject(s): Social Sciences, Education, Higher Education
Published by: European Distance and E-Learning Network
Keywords: Assessment and evaluation; Distance and e-learning methodology; Learning effectiveness; improvement of learning experience; Virtual reality; virtual classrooms and laboratories
Summary/Abstract: Virtual laboratories are the new online educational trend for communicating to students practical skills of science. In this paper we report on a comparison of techniques for familiarizing distance learning students with a 3D virtual biology laboratory, in order to prepare them for their microscopy experiment in their physical wet lab. Initial training for these students was provided at a distance, via Skype. Their progress was assessed through Pre and Post-tests and compared to those of students who opted to only prepare for their wet lab using the conventional face-to-face educational method, which was provided for all students. Our results provide preliminary answers to questions such as whether the incorporation of a virtual lab in the educational process will improve the quality of distance learning education and whether a virtual lab can be a valuable educational supplement to students enrolled in laboratory courses on Biology.
Journal: European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN) Conference Proceedings
- Issue Year: 2018
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 151-158
- Page Count: 8
- Language: English