Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education

Fatimah Alhashem; Abdullah Alfailakawi

doi:10.30935/cedtech/13739

Fatimah Alhashem ¹ ^* , Abdullah Alfailakawi ²

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CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 4, Article No: ep474

https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739

Submitted: 19 May 2023, Published Online: 30 September 2023

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Abstract

This research studied the impact of integrating virtual laboratories in chemistry lessons among 22 pre-service teachers who were enrolled in a Bachelor of Education program, focusing on middle and high school science. These participants were systematically divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group. Both groups engaged in the same organic chemistry lesson and subsequent lab session, the only difference being that EG received additional training via a virtual laboratory prior to the hands-on lab session. A survey, conducted both before and after the experiment, was utilized to measure participants’ attitudes towards the use of virtual laboratories. The quantitative data analysis revealed a significant positive shift in EG’s attitudes post-intervention, suggesting that virtual laboratory experiences enhance their learning and engagement. Specifically, participants exhibited improved understanding of the educational methodologies and heightened engagement during the physical lab work. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning the technical aspects of the experiments, implying that the virtual labs’ impact on perspectives about the technical components of a chemistry lab was consistent across both groups. These findings support the view of virtual laboratories as a viable supporting tool for science education, promoting technology integration into teaching practices to meet the demands of 21^st century learning outcomes. This research concludes with recommendations for future studies to explore further the implications of virtual labs on various aspects of science education.

Keywords: virtual laboratory, chemistry, organic chemistry, pre-service teacher, training, science education, laboratory

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Citation

Alhashem, F., & Alfailakawi, A. (2023). Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4), ep474. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739

Alhashem, F., and Alfailakawi, A. (2023). Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4), ep474. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739

Alhashem F, Alfailakawi A. Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2023;15(4), ep474. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739

Alhashem, Fatimah, and Abdullah Alfailakawi. "Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education". Contemporary Educational Technology 2023 15 no. 4 (2023): ep474. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739

Alhashem, Fatimah et al. "Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education". Contemporary Educational Technology, vol. 15, no. 4, 2023, ep474. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739

Alhashem F, Alfailakawi A. Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2023;15(4):ep474. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739