Category | Type of lab solutions | Requirements | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|---|
Virtual | Lab by demonstration | Recording of real lab work needs to be produced | Easy to implement as long as a real lab is available for recording | Learners won’t be able to participate in the lab and to get real world experience |
Virtual | Lab by simulation | Simulation of a lab work needs to be developed | Learners can participate in a simulated environment | Learners till don’t have chance to handle real lab equipment and materials |
Virtual | Virtual lab | Computer-based virtual lab needs to be developed for learners to access through a computer interface | Lab environment is virtually replicated for learners to operate through a computer interface | Learners can get some “hands-on” experience but only on virtual lab equipment and materials |
Virtual | Virtual reality lab | Virtual reality (VR) lab environment need to be developed for learners to access often through a computer interface | Better than virtual labs; the lab environment is more real leading to better lab experience and learning outcomes | More work needed to produce virtual reality labs, and learners still don’t have access to real lab equipment and materials |
Real | Home lab kit | Home lab kit including materials and instructions needs to be made available for each specific lab | Learners can get real lab experience by doing lab at home using the lab kit | The types of lab work that can be done at home are limited due to complexity and safety concerns. |
Remote | Remote lab, also known as online lab | Real lab sessions must be available for learners to access remotely through the internet | Learners can remotely carry out real lab experiments through the internet, with the help of sensors and automation machinery in the real lab | Special sensors and machineries must be made available for each specific lab session. |