Virtual labs improve student’s performance in a classroom

Abstract

With the world wide acceptance of virtual educational technologies, it has been shown that they play a vital role in the scientific arena. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the role of Biotechnology virtual laboratories in integrating student’s learning ability and introducing it as an effective instructional tool in biotechnology courses. A post-usage survey was conducted among the users and included questions about perceptions of virtual laboratories, its role in virtualization of sophisticated instruments. The survey suggested virtual labs usage enhanced autonomous and guided educational methods. Comparing groups on usage of virtual labs against a control (traditional lab), our studies suggest improved performance in students using virtual labs. Usage analysis and surveys indicated that biotechnology virtual labs are significant elements in adaptive learning process in blended classroom environment.