Virtual lab helps lecturers a lot in making it easier for students to understand basic practical concepts in a topic. But is this method really able to help achieve the practical objective?
Not necessary - the idea of virtual labs or simulated environments is to enable the learner to perform in close to a reality situation - this will prime him or her to do better in a real situation or scenario.
In the progression of learning phase - Shows level of a skill or any psychomotor domain can be done in a skill lab or virtual environment; and the Shows How level can be demonstrated in a real situation (that has been planned or created - in such a way that the learner can be certified competent in this skill if he or she completes this Shows How Level)
Hi Salmiah Nisa .
In my critical opinion, while virtual labs offer engineering students flexibility and access to practical learning, they cannot fully replicate the hands-on experience necessary for developing essential skills. For civil engineering, a virtual lab might demonstrate soil testing, but it lacks the tactile engagement needed to assess soil composition directly. Similarly, for mechanical engineering students, the virtual simulation of fluid mechanics or thermodynamics doesn't provide the real-world feel of handling equipment or observing physical phenomena directly. Electrical and electronics engineering students might learn circuit design online, but without physical assembly and troubleshooting, they miss developing critical problem-solving skills. Therefore, while virtual labs can supplement learning, they should not replace physical labs, which are crucial for mastering motor skills, understanding material properties, and preparing students for the practical demands of their future professions.
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