Virtual Laboratories in the Teaching and Learning Paradigm

Abstract

Laboratories are a fundamental aspect of any academic learning that enables students to better understand the theoretical concepts of any academic course. Science, engineering, and medical fields are the main areas of study that heavily depend on laboratories for demonstrating the practicality of any theory. However, circumstances may arise where students face challenges in performing practicals due to insufficient materials, equipment, or the inaccessibility of the laboratory itself. To counter this challenge, various organizations and institutions have come forward to develop ‘Virtual Laboratories' or ‘Virtual Labs'. Virtual laboratories are platforms where the user can engage in practical sessions without the need to be present in person. The user can log in anywhere, even remotely, and be able to gain access to the same setting as in a traditional hands-on laboratory, albeit virtually. This chapter will detail virtual labs, what they are all about, and the effectiveness of virtual labs in comparison to traditional labs.