Abstract:

Laboratory activities are a form of instruction that improve learners' performance and conceptual understanding and promote their positive attitudes [1]. By using virtual laboratories, learners can perform chemical experiments that they cannot perform in the real laboratory due to potential danger of chemicals or lack of resources [2]. A virtual laboratory (VL) is presented, which can be used in distance learning or in the classroom. The content of the VL is the recycling of gold from electronic scrap. The learners can use this VL to carry out experiments that are not suitable for teaching in secondary level 1 due to their hazard potential. The learners learn about the chemical processes and technologies required for raw material recovery. The laboratory environment was created once with real objects as they occur in a laboratory and with designed laboratory materials. Further, it will be investigated how the learners perceive a VL and how they use it. Similarly, it will be investigated whether the learners prefer the learning environment with the real objects and the VL can contribute to the conceptual understanding of the chemical processes.

References:
[1] Hofstein, A., Nahum, T.L., Shore, R. (2001). Assessment of the learning environment of inquiry-type laboratories in high school chemistry. Learning Environments Research, 4(2), 193–207. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012467417645
[2] Kolil, V.K., Muthupalani, S. & Achuthan, K. Virtual experimental platforms in chemistry laboratory education and its impact on experimental self-efficacy. Int J Educ Technol High Educ 17, 30 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00204-3

Keywords:

Virtual Laboratory, conceptual understanding, hazard potential, use of a a VL.