Innovative Educational Practice: Using Virtual Labs in the Secondary Classroom

Marcel Satsky Kerr, Texas Wesleyan University
Kimberly Rynearson, Tarleton State University
Marcus C. Kerr, Texas Wesleyan University

Abstract

Two studies investigated the effectiveness of teaching science labs online to secondary students. Study 1 compared achievement among students instructed using hands-on Chemistry labs versus those instructed using virtual Chemistry labs (eLabs). Study 2 compared the same groups of students again while both teachers instructed using hands-on Chemistry labs to determine whether teacher or student characteristics may have affected Study 1’s findings. Participants were high school Chemistry students from a Central Texas Independent School District. Results indicated that: students learn science effectively online, schools may experience cost savings from delivering labs online, and students gain valuable technology skills needed later in college and in the workplace.