Skip to main content

The Timeless Controversy Between Virtual and Real Laboratories in Science Education—“And the Winner Is…”

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
The Challenges of the Digital Transformation in Education (ICL 2018)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 917))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

The present research investigates the virtual and real laboratories in science education. Adopting one method over the other is a matter of interest but also too often a matter of controversy regarding their effectiveness in the educational practice. With this being kept in mind, a number of 106 research papers (articles, doctoral dissertations, and reviews) related to the comparison of real and virtual laboratories across science teaching research were identified and reviewed. The research questions focused on the most effective environment, whether findings vary over time and level of education in which the labs are used. The basic search tools were the Internet, e-libraries, e-journals, databases, thematic guides and Portals, Catalogues of other libraries, offered to the researchers from collaborating universities. Key words and critical analysis were employed for the analysis and interesting conclusions are made as regards the effectiveness of the two laboratories.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abreu, P., Barbosa, R., Lopes, A.M.: Experiments with a virtual lab for industrial robots programming. iJoe 11(5), 10–16 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Addair, E.: Ceci n’ est pas une Mouse-Trap Car: Physical Versus Virtual Materials in the Classroom. Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Carnegie Mello University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Ajredini, F., Izairi, N., Zajkov, O.: Real Experiments versus Phet simulations for better high-school students’ understanding of electrostatic charging, EJPE. Eur. J. Phys. Educ. 5(1), 59–70 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Akai, C.: Depth Perception in Real and Virtual Environments: An Exploration of Individual Differences. Master of Science in the School of Interactive Arts & Technology, Simon Fraser University, Canada (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Alqahtani, A.S., Daghestani, L.F., Ibrahim, L.F.: Environments and system types of virtual reality technology in STEM: a survey. (IJACSA) Int. J. Adv. Comput. Sci. Appl. 8(6), 77–89 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Amgen Foundation and Change the Equation Students on STEM: More Hands-on, Real World Experiences. AMGEN Foundation, Inspiring the Scientists of Tomorrow, California, U.S.A. (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Baser, M.: Εffects of conceptual change and traditional confirmatory simulations on pre-service teachers’ understanding of direct current circuits. J. Sci. Educ. Technol. 15(5), 367–381 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Baxter G.P.: Using computer simulations to assess hands-on science learning. J. Sci. Educ. Technol. 4, 21–27 (1995)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Booth, C., Cheluvappa, R., Bellinson, Z., Maguire, D., Zimitat, C., Abraham, J., Eri, R.: Empirical evaluation of a virtual laboratory approach to teach lactate dehydrogenase enzyme kinetics. Ann. Med. Surg. 8, 6–13 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Choi, C.A., Gennaro, E.: The effectiveness of using computer simulated experiments on junior high students’ understanding of the volume displacement concept. J. Res. Science Teach. 24(6), 539–552 (1987)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Corter, J.E., Nickerson, J.V., Esche, S., Chassapis, C., et al.: Remote versus hands-on labs: a comparative study. In: 34th ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, pp. 17–21, Savannah, GA (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Edward, N.S.: Evaluation of computer based laboratory simulation. Comput. Educ. 26(1–3), 123–130 (1996)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Evaggelou, F.V., Kotsis, KTh: Comparative study of the impact of real and virtual experiments on learning for the phenomenon of water boiling to 5th and 6th grades elementary learners. Sci. Technol. Issues Educ. 7(1–2), 5–24 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  14. Evaggelou, F.V.: The Impact of Real and Virtual Physics Labs in Learning. PhD Thesis, University of Ioannina, School of Educational Studies, Pedagogical Department of Primary Education, Vo. A., Ioannina (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Faour, M.A., Ayoubi, Z.: The effect of using virtual laboratory on grade 10 students’ conceptual understanding and their attitudes towards physics. J. Educ. Sci. Environ. Health (JESEH) 4(1), 54–68 (2018)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Fielder, M., Haruvy, E.: The lab versus the virtual lab and virtual field—an experimental investigation of trust games with communication. J. Econ. Behav. Organ. 72(1), 716–724 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Finkelstein, N.D., Perkins, K.K., Adams, W., Kohl, P., Podolefsky, N.: Can computer simulations replace real equipment in undergraduate laboratories? In: Physics Education Research Conference, Sacramento, CA, U.S.A. (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Gandole, Y.B., Khandewale, S.S., Mishra, R.A.: A comparison of students’ attitudes between computer software support and traditional laboratory practical learning environments in undergraduate electronics science. e-J. Instr. Sci. Technol. 9(1), 1–13 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Gibbins, L., Perkin, G.: Laboratories for the 21st Century in STEM Higher Education. A Compendium of Current UK Practice and an Insight into Future Directions for Laboratory-based Teaching And Learning. The Centre for Engineering and Design Education: Loughborough University, U.K. (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Herga, N.R., Grmek, M.I., Dinevski, D.: Virtual laboratory element of visualization when teaching chemical contents in science class. Turk. Online J. Educ. Technol. (TOJET) 13(4), 157–165 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Jaakkola, T., Nurmi, S.: Academic impact of learning objects: the case of electric circuits. In: British Educational Research Association Annual Conference (BERA), University of Manchester (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Jeschke, S., Richter, T., Scheel, H., Thomsen, C.: On remote and virtual experiments in eLearning. J. Softw. 2(6), 76–85 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Keller, C.J., Finkelstein, N.D., Perkins, K.K., Pollock, S.J.: Assessing the effectiveness of a computer simulation in conjunction with tutorials in introductory physics in undergraduate physics recitations. In: Proceedings of the 2005 Physics Education Research Conference, AIP Press, Melville, N.Y. (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Keller, C.: Substituting Traditional Hands-On Laboratories with Computer Simulations: What’s Gained and What’s Lost? Department of Physics, University of Colorado at Boulder (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Keller, H.E., Keller, E.E.: Making real of virtual labs. Sci. Educ. Rev. 4(1), 2–11 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Kennepohl, D.: Using computer simulations to supplement teaching lab in chemistry for distance delivery. J. Distance Educ. 16(2), 58–65 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Klahr, D.: Hands on what? The relative effectiveness of physical vs virtual materials in an engineering design project by middle school children. J. Res. Sci. Teach. 44(1), 183–203 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Konstandinou, N., Zacharia, Z.H.: The impact of real and virtual learning environments on 1st grade primary school learners to achieve conceptual change about temperature and heat. In: Cyprus 10th Conference of Pedagogics-Quality in Education: Research and Teaching, Nicosia, pp. 294–316, 6–7 June 2008

    Google Scholar 

  29. Kotsis, K.: Primary school learners’ attitudes about the experiment at science teaching. In: Papageorgiou, G., Kountouriotis (eds.) Proceedings of the 7th Panhellenic Conference of Teaching Science and ICT in Education-Interactions of Educational Research and Actions in Sciences, vol. A., Alexandropolis, pp. 238–247, 15–17 April 2011

    Google Scholar 

  30. Kotsis, KTh, Evaggelou, F.V.: Learning outcomes after using real and virtual physics experiments with 5th and 6th grades of primary school children about the concepts of electric circuits. Issues Sci. ICT Educ. 3(3), 141–158 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Kotsis, K.T., Evaggelou, F.V.: Virtual or Real Experiment in Teaching Physics for Changing Students’ Alternative Ideas? Literature Review. Scientific Workshop of the Pedagogical Department of Ioannina University, (20), pp. 57–90 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Mutlu, A., Şeşen, B.A.: Impact of virtual chemistry laboratory instruction on pre-service science teachers’ scientific skills. SHS Web of Conferences, 26 (01088) 2016, ERPA International Congresses on Education 2015 (ERPA 2015) (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Nancheva, N., Stoyanov, S.: Simulations laboratory in physics distance education. In: Proceedings of the 10th Workshop on Multimedia in Physics Teaching and Learning (EPS—MPTL 10), pp. 1–7. Berlin (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Nguen H.D.K., Le Cong N.: Distinguishing advantages of virtual experiments on solving multiple choice questions in physics test. In: Proceedings of the 62nd ISERD International Conference, pp. 25–27. Boston, USA, 14th–15th Jan 2017

    Google Scholar 

  35. Nickerson, J.V., Corter, J.E., Esche, S.K., Chassapis, C.: A model for evaluating the effectiveness of remote engineering laboratories and simulations in education. Comput. Educ. (49), 708–725 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Olimpiou, G., Zacharia, Z.: A comparative study for the effectiveness of the experimentation in a real or virtual lab to achieve conceptual understanding in physics. In: Kariotoglou, P., Spirtou, A., Zoupidis, A. (eds.) Proceedings of the 6th Panhellenic Conference on Science and ICT in Education-Multiple Approaches to Science Teaching and Learning, Florina, pp. 621–629, 7–10 May 2009

    Google Scholar 

  37. Oral, I., Bozkurt, E., Guzel, H.: The effect of combining real experimentation with virtual experimentation on students’ success. World Acad. Sci. Eng. Technol. 30, 1599–1604 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  38. Paxinou, E., Zafeiropoulos, V., Sypsas, A., Kiourt, C., Kalles, D.: Assessing the impact of virtualizing physical labs. Comput. Sci. Hum. Comput. Interact. 1–5 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Pyatt, K., Sims, R.: Learner performance and attitudes in traditional versus simulated laboratory experiences. In: Proceedings Ascille Singapore, pp. 870–879 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Ranjan, A.: Effect of virtual laboratory on development of concepts and skills in physics. Int. J. Tech. Res. Sci. (IJTRS) 2(1), 15–21 (2017)

    Google Scholar 

  41. Ronen, M., Eliahu, M.: Simulation as a home learning environment—students’ views. J. Comput. Assist. Learn. 15, 258–268 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Sari Ay, O., Yilmaz, S.: Effects of virtual experiments oriented science instruction on students’ achievement and attitude. Elementary Educ. Online 14(2), 609–620 (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  43. Sauter, M., Uttal, D.H., Rapp, D.N., Downing, M., Jona, K.: Getting real: the authenticity of remote labs and simulations for science learning. Distance Educ. 34(1), 37–47 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Scanlon, E., Colwell, C., Cooper, M., Di Paolo, T.: Remote experiments, re-versioning and re-thinking science learning. Comput. Educ. 43, 153–163 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Sonnenwald, D.H., Whitton, M.C., Maglaughlin, K.L.: Evaluating a scientific collaboratory: results of a controlled experiment. ACM Trans. Comput. Hum. Interact. 10(2), 150–176 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Srinivasan, S., Perez, L.C., Palmer, R.D., Brooks, D.W., Wilson, K., Fowler, D.: Reality versus simulation. J. Sci. Educ. Technol. 15(2), 137–141 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Taramopoulos, A., Psillos, D., Hatzikrianiotis, E.: Teaching electric circuits by guided inquiry in virtual and real laboratory environments. In: Jimoyiannis, A. (ed.) Research on e-Learning and ICT in Education, pp. 211–224 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  48. Taramopoulos, A., Psilos, D., Hatzikraniotis, E.: Can open virtual environments be used instead of real ones? AMAP experience in electricity, In: Papageorgiou, G., Kountouriotis (eds.) Proceedings of the 7th Panhellenic Conference of Teaching Science and ICT in Education-Interactions of Educational Research and Actions in Sciences, (A), Alexandropolis, pp. 679–686, 15–17 April 2011

    Google Scholar 

  49. Tarekegn, G.: Can computer simulations substitute real laboratory apparatus? Lat. Am. J. Phys. Educ. 3(3), 506–517 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  50. Tatli, Z., Ayas, A.: Effect of a virtual chemistry laboratory on students’ achievement. Educ. Technol. Soc. 16(1), 159–170 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  51. Triona, L.M., Klahr, D.: Point and click or grab and heft: comparing the influence of physical and virtual instructional materials on elementary school students’ ability to design experiments. Cogn. Instr. 21(2), 149–173 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Tsihouridis, C., Vavougios, D., Ioannidis, G.: The effectiveness of virtual laboratories as a contemporary teaching tool in the teaching of electric circuits in Upper High School as compared to that of real labs. In: Proceedings of 2013 International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL), 25–27 September 2013, Kazan National Research Technological University, Kazan, Russia ISBN: 978-1-4799-0152-4/13©2013 IEEE, pp. 816–820 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  53. Tsihouridis, C., Vavougios, D., Papalexopoulos, P.F.: The use of calculating packages for electrical circuit problem solving by Secondary Education students: a comparative educational evaluation. In: Proceedings of 15th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning ICL2012 11th International Conference Virtual University (vu’11), 26–28 Sept 2012, Villach, Austria, International Association of Online Engineering, IEEE Catalog Number: CFP1223R-USB, ISBN:978-1-4673-2426-7, pp. 815–825 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  54. Tsihouridis, C., Vavougios, D., Ioannidis, G.S.: Evaluation of educational software regarding its suitability to assist the laboratory teaching of electrical circuits. In: Auer, M. (eds.) Proceedings of ICL2007 Workshop: Interactive Computer Aided Learning, Villach, Austria, pp. 1–15, Kassel University Press, ISBN: 978-3-89958-279-6 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  55. Tsihouridis, C., Vavougios, D., Ioannidis, G.S.: Students designing their own experiments on heat transfer phenomena using sensors and ICT: an educational trial to consolidate related scientific concepts. Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn. iJET (4), 74–82 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  56. Tsihouridis, C., Vavougios, D., Ioannidis, G., Alexias, A., Argiropoulos, H., Poulios, S.: Mobile physics labs as contemporary study tools in electric circuits teaching: PCB301-a case study. In: Proceedings of the Panhellenic Science Teaching Conference and ICT in Education, Thessaloniki, 8–10 May 2015

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Charilaos Tsihouridis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Tsihouridis, C., Vavougios, D., Batsila, M., Ioannidis, G.S. (2019). The Timeless Controversy Between Virtual and Real Laboratories in Science Education—“And the Winner Is…”. In: Auer, M., Tsiatsos, T. (eds) The Challenges of the Digital Transformation in Education. ICL 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 917. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11935-5_59

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics