Using the Labster virtual laboratory to study chemistry at a technical university

- Гулай, Ольга (orcid.org/0000-0002-1120-6165), Шемет, Василина (orcid.org/0000-0001-8952-5097), Мороз, Ірина (orcid.org/0000-0001-9167-4876), Саварин, Павло (orcid.org/0000-0001-7140-7068) and Кабак, Віталій (orcid.org/0000-0001-9823-825X) (2024) Using the Labster virtual laboratory to study chemistry at a technical university Information Technologies and Learning Tools, 4 (102). pp. 95-107. ISSN 2076-8184

Text Ольга Гулай.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB)

Abstract

Immersive virtual labs represent a digital paradigm in education that meets the needs and preferences of today’s students. The main advantage is the ability to conduct laboratory and practical work in the physical absence of educational equipment or the inability to use it, which is especially important in the context of martial law restrictions in Ukraine. The article analyzes the experience of using the Labster web platform, which provides virtual laboratory simulations of natural sciences. The virtual laboratory was used in the educational process of Lutsk National Technical University when teaching chemical disciplines in the autumn semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. The virtual simulation tasks "Introduction to Groups of the Periodic Table" were offered to students as an alternative option for extracurricular independent work. 146 1st year students were registered, of which 99 (67.8%) completed the test, and 47 (32.2 %) partially passed it. The results of the surveys are presented, the first was conducted immediately after work, the second was a questionnaire on the comprehensibility of the content and the perception of the usefulness of Labster modeling – about three weeks after the completion of the Labster simulation. Based on the analysis of the answers of students, the mainadvantages of using a virtual laboratory are established - gaining new educational experience, improving the knowledge and digital skills of students. Virtual simulations increased students' engagement and confidence. The advantage of working in a virtual laboratory is personalized learning. The main obstacles to using Labster are highlighted: low level of English proficiency (Labster does not involve the use of Ukrainian content) and insufficient digital skills to navigate in the virtual space. It is recommended to use virtual simulations not as a substitute for classroom practical exercises, but as a modern tool to supplement them.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	immersive virtual lab; Labster; educational process; study of chemistry; blended learning.
Subjects:	Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 00 Prolegomena. Fundamentals of knowledge and culture. Propaedeutics > 004 Computer science and technology. Computing. Data processing > 004.9 ІКТ ( Application-oriented computer-based techniques ) Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 37.01/.09 Special auxiliary table for theory, principles, methods and organization of education > 37.02 General questions of didactics and method Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 378 Higher education. Universities. Academic study Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 5 Мathematics. natural sciences > 54 Chemistry.
Divisions:	Institute for Digitalisation of Education > Generic resouse
Depositing User:	Алла 1 Алла Почтарьова
Date Deposited:	19 Dec 2024 16:07
Last Modified:	19 Dec 2024 16:07
URI:	https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/743590

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item