My Own Conclusions
As mentioned on the home page, my views on using virtual science labs in my own classroom have changed slightly as a result of the research I have done. I still do not believe online labs should replace traditional hands-on labs for several reasons, most of which were mentioned by other teachers. Hands-on labs increase student learning in several ways that virtual labs cannot, including:
However, I now realize that virtual labs also play an important role in student learning. By using online labs in my classroom, I will be able to improve my students' learning experiences by:
Research shows that students learn concepts in the same way through virtual labs as they do through traditional labs. Because of this, online labs can be great alternative to "wet" labs, especially in schools that lack financial resources. However, when both are an option, I cannot imagine a situation in which I, or any of the teachers I spoke with, would choose to do a virtual lab instead of a hands-on one.
- Developing practical lab skills
- Allowing students to have maximum control of the experimental design process
- Giving students the opportunity to analyze imperfect data and unexpected results
- Showing students that science is accessible to them
- Providing a more memorable learning experience for students
However, I now realize that virtual labs also play an important role in student learning. By using online labs in my classroom, I will be able to improve my students' learning experiences by:
- Providing them with learning opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have due to a lack of financial resources
- Allowing them to visualize abstract concepts in a concrete way
- Better preparing them to do a traditional hands-on lab in class
- Giving them time to focus on learning concepts before they perform a traditional lab
Research shows that students learn concepts in the same way through virtual labs as they do through traditional labs. Because of this, online labs can be great alternative to "wet" labs, especially in schools that lack financial resources. However, when both are an option, I cannot imagine a situation in which I, or any of the teachers I spoke with, would choose to do a virtual lab instead of a hands-on one.