Online Virtual Reality-Based vs. Face-to-Face Physics Laboratory: A Case Study in Distance Learning Science Curriculum

Abstract

In the context of this work, a physics laboratory exercise was designed and implemented in a virtual reality environment with the aim of familiarizing students with the process of collecting measurements, applying basic methods of statistical analysis, and drawing conclusions. Two groups of second-year students from the “Natural Sciences” undergraduate program of the School of Science and Technology) at the Hellenic Open University (HOU) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the training methodology. The first group consisted of 31 students who performed the laboratory exercise in person with the guidance of a tutor, while the second group consisted of 26 students who used the virtual reality laboratory without supervision. The results showed that the second group demonstrated an improvement in achieving the expected results.

On the Use of an Online Polling Platform for Enhancing Student Engagement in an Engineering Module

“…This trend aligns with the broader adoption of online learning across various academic fields. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown that followed, online education became popular in universities, colleges, and schools across the world and allowed students to use their time effectively [4]. In addition, online polling platforms have emerged as a valuable asset, enabling lecturers to engage their students and gather real-time feedback.…”

“…Lakka et al [4] designed a virtual reality laboratory exercise in a physics course to familiarize students with basic methods of statistical analysis. They evaluated the effectiveness of the methodology through questionnaires and assessments administered to two groups of second-year students.…”

Utilization of Technology in Physics Education: A Literature Review and Implications for the Future Physics Learning

“…The scientific literature provides numerous examples of effective technological interventions in physics education. A pivotal solution includes the use of computer simulations and virtual laboratories, which have been demonstrated to significantly enhance students' understanding of complex physics concepts (Ahmed & Hasegawa, 2021;Arista & Kuswanto, 2018;Lakka et al, 2023). These simulations allow students to manipulate variables and observe the outcomes of experiments within a virtual environment, offering deeper insights into physics principles that are often challenging to convey through traditional methods.…”