Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: A Benchmark Against Physical Laboratory Sessions

Authors

  • Labhras Gilheany Centre for Immersive Learning, Aran Institute of Learning Technologies, Kilronan, Ireland Author
  • Elena-Ioanna Chrysostomides Centre for Higher Education Studies, Kiti Institute of Learning Technologies, Kiti, Cyprus Author
  • Ian-Paul Cremona Department of Curriculum Studies, Zurrieq Centre for Digital Education, Zurrieq, Malta Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22694176

Keywords:

Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science; Educational technology; E-learning; Evidence synthesis; Research methodology

Abstract

There is real interest in virtual laboratory simulations in undergraduate science right now, and real uncertainty about exactly
where it delivers the most value. We pull together the current evidence for virtual laboratory simulations in undergraduate
science, covering the methodological, practical, regulatory and cost angles, with an eye on where practice has genuinely settled
and where researchers and reviewers are still largely working it out for themselves. Selective, context-specific pursuit looks better
supported by the evidence gathered here than either broad rollout or blanket avoidance.

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Brankovic K, Kowalczyk B, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a systematic review". Journal of Computer Assisted Learning 30(2023): 421-431. DOI: 10.1177/08404704241291226

Castellani R, Ristic C, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a comparative analysis". Distance Education 32(2014): 432-443. DOI: 10.1093/medlaw/fwad013

Dumitrescu A, Andric D, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a pilot demonstration". Journal of Educational Psychology 34(2017): 443-455. DOI: 10.2196/89834

Eriksdottir B, Brankovic E, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a longitudinal field study". Instructional Science 36(2020): 454-467. DOI: 10.1007/s10916-024-02104-9

Farkas I, Ionescu F, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a feasibility study". Educational Technology & Society 38(2023): 465-479. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1896184

Grabowski P, Petrescu G, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a case study". International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning 40(2014): 476-482. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15162117

Hendriksen W, Wojcik H, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a meta-analysis". Learning, Media and Technology 42(2017): 487-494. DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_20_65

Ionescu F, Foscarini I, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a cross-platform survey". Journal of Research on Technology in Education 44(2020): 498-506. DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1763884

Jankowiak G, Grabowski J, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a methods-comparison study". American Educational Research Journal 46(2023): 509-518. DOI: 10.2196/48297

Kowalczyk N, Novotna K, et al. "Virtual Laboratory Simulations in Undergraduate Science: a benchmark study". Review of Educational Research 8(2014): 520-530. DOI: 10.1007/s00330-025-12031-z

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Published

2023-08-28

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2023): vol 2 issue 2 2023

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