The Effectiveness of Virtual Laboratories for Improving Scientific Attitudes in Physics: A Meta-Analysis

Authors

  • Muhammad Hadi Al Aziz State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah
  • Ferry Budhi Susetyo Jakarta State University
  • Dwi Nanto State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah

Keywords:

Virtual laboratory, Scientific attitudes, Physics learning, Meta-analysis

Abstract

Teaching physics in the twenty-first century requires creative approaches that might help
students develop 21st century competencies, such as scientific attitudes. Although they use online
distance learning environment, virtual laboratories (Virtual Labs) as digital tools can provide
students a real learning sense experience. The usefulness of virtual labs which may foster a more
scientific mindset for physics education is investigated in this meta-analysis. The Preferred
Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was used when
doing the meta-analysis. Among 461 published journals as references, there are 15 reports match
with inclusion creteria. The major method for estimating the virtual laboratories' efficacy was to
utilize effect size (Hedges g). The overall weighted effect size of g = 0,933 indicates that virtual
laboratories have a noteworthy and favorable impact on students' attitudes toward physics. The
efficiency of the virtual laboratories varied significantly depending on the locale, student grade
level, and length of deployment, according to moderator analysis. According to paricular physics
domains some notable variations were discovered by classifying each study’s effect size. We found
the VR (Virtual Reality) and PhET Simulaion as the majority for the virtual lab equipment. These
technologies were found to be combined with inquiry-based learning and problem-based learning
teaching methodologies, which significantly improved students' attitudes on physics. Therefore, it
is advised that Physics teachers participate in professional development programs to increase their
technological and pedagogical expertise. Because virtual simulation is efficient to improve scientific
attitudes in Physics instruction.

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Published

2024-12-01

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Section

Articles