Getting real: the authenticity of remote labs and simulations for science learning

Abstract

Teachers use remote labs and simulations to augment or even replace hands-on science learning. We compared undergraduate students' experiences with a remote lab and a simulation to investigate beliefs about and learning from the interactions. Although learning occurred in both groups, students were more deeply engaged while performing the remote lab. Remote lab users felt and behaved as though they completed a real scientific experiment. We also examined whether realistic visualizations improved the psychological and learning experiences for each lab. Students who watched live video of the device collecting their data in the remote lab felt most engaged with the task, suggesting that it is the combination of the realistic lab and realistic video that was of the greatest benefit.

The Use of Computer Simulation to Compare Student performance in Traditional versus Distance Learning Environments

“…For instance, Sauter et al (2013) investigated learning by comparing students' experiences with a remote lab and a simulation. As described by the authors:…”

“…In sum, proponents affirm that computer simulations promote student interest and involvement, foster retention of information, and offers opportunities for affective and behavioral learning (Alexe, 2013;Koenig et al, 2013;Muir et al, 2013;Sauter, Uttal, Rapp, Downing, & Jona, 2013). Furthermore, those in favor of computer simulation use in higher education contend that through repeated practice and immediate feedback, transfer of knowledge, skills, and abilities from classroom to real world environments is enhanced (Alexe, 2013;Rackaway & Goertzen, 2008).…”

The learning effects of using infant simulators in Family Life Education: A study of undergraduate students in Taiwan

“…Many studies showed that simulation contributed to the students' learning in multiple professional fields, like, medical (Beth, Cunningham, & McIntosh, 2000), health care (Johannesson, Silén, Kvist, & Hult, 2013), and science learning (Sauter, Uttal, Rapp, Downing, & Jona, 2013). Undergraduate students in Taiwan have seldom hand-on experiences and skills in taking care of babies.…”

An Option of Hybrid Virtual Labs in an Introductory Biology Course as the Means for Accessible Learning and Enhancing Student Education

“…A potential benefit of remote labs is the reduced cost of having or maintaining specialized equipment to the institution. Students can book time slots to conduct experiments and effectively share the remote lab [4]. This approach may provide students with a good fundamental understanding of the experiments conducted, however it does not provide students with practical lab experience, nor does it develop the manipulative skills collectively referred to as "good laboratory hands".…”