Need Analysis of Virtual Laboratories For Science Education In Jambi, Indonesia

Abstract

The needs of technological advancement which is infused into education system are more and more inviting thorough researches since digital environment influences educational settings. In specific, virtual laboratories as the digital environment is now not used only in engineering and computer science fields but also in educational field in general. Digitalized teaching aids, web-based learning, e-learning etc. are such possible prospective fields that need virtual labs in them. In regard to that, this study is initiated to conduct a need analysis of virtual labs for Jambi province context through library research. This study employs documentary analysis techniques to assimilate reliable information regarding virtual labs from the related literatures. Purposively, this study selects online journals that are correlated to virtual labs and analysed the variables, methods, and results of study. This study finds that studies done yield few shortcomings of virtual labs usages to only the lost opportunity of students to involve their senses during the use of virtual labs. However, in general virtual labs usages contribute benefits to science education such as: a) Virtual labs assist students to link between theoretical and scientific concepts to practical laboratory techniques and skills; b) Virtual labs provide simulations that make students more engaged in learning scientific phenomena; c) Although some important opportunities of learning experiences are not provided by virtual labs such as sensory involvement in learning, most virtual labs are developed to fulfil the characteristics of teaching aids; d) Virtual labs abbreviate the preparation steps of practicum activities, hence they make class-time used effectively; and e) Virtual labs allow students to repeat experiment for multiple times. In addition, virtual labs usages also bring prospects to some important aspects of educational field namely financial resources, academic advancement, technological computer simulation improvement, and cultural aspects. This study suggests the Jambi Education Board to recommend virtual labs usages at schools to equip science education as supplemental and supporting teaching aids.

Dampak Edmodo berbantuan Laboratorium Virtual terhadap Motivasi dan Kemandirian Belajar Siswa

“…Virtual laboratories support practicum activities like in real laboratories which are interactive, dynamic, animative so they are not boring and support students in understanding learning (Jaya, 2012). Virtual laboratories are used for learning which makes students experience intellectual challenges in their learning process (Rohim, 2020). As well as the use of virtual laboratories can increase motivation and support students' understanding of scientific physics concepts (Kharki, 2021).…”

A Virtual Lab As A Vehicle For Active Learning Through Distance Education

“…As a result, Meaningful learning requires real-world experiences. Therefore, a virtual lab as an educational strategy offers a conducive environment for teaching and learning which further gives room for students to learn at their own pace (Commager, 1992;Kirikcilar & Yildiz, 2019;Ndukwe & Daniel, 2020;Rohim, 2020).…”

The effect of colloids practicum e-module to improve students’ interest on virtual lab during the covid-19 pandemic

“…Virtual lab implementation has actually been done a lot, either through integration through the curriculum (Alkhedher et al 2021;Buchori & Pramasdyahsari, 2021), as well as supporting media in schools (Hidayat & Utomo, 2015). Apart from being a learning support media (Rahmiati, 2019), virtual labs have actually been used as one of the main media in the learning process, especially science learning (Rohim, 2020;Anshary et al 2019;Suarja, 2015). In its implementation, the virtual lab is able to become an accommodative medium for the stimulus aspects of students' cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and science skills.…”