Using Virtual Labs to Increase

Student Engagement in Science

Jason McCarron
Memorial University of Newfoundland
 Science 10 Final Scores 2004-2008

30
25
Frequency

20
15
10
5
0

e
5
15

45
25

35

55

65

75

85

95

or
M
Science Scores

Mean 52.6%
Mode 50%
Median 52%
How Can Student Achievement be Increased?
Research conducted by Skinner and Belmont
(1993) illustrates that students who are more
engaged in school do in fact earn higher grades,
score higher on standardized tests of achievement
and feel pride and satisfaction in their
accomplishments.

Lutz et al. (2005) linked engagement in learning with

positive academic outcomes such as; good grades,
strong standardized test scores, and high school
completion.

A review of literature indicates that engaging

students in virtual labs during science class will
promote learning. Some examples of virtual labs
and how exactly they promote learning will be
discussed in this presentation.
 River City

Retrieved on March 24, 2009 from: http://muve.gse.harvard.edu/rivercityproject/view/rc_views_interface.htm

Tracking and Organizing Learning in River City
 The Town, River City

Retrieved on March 24, 2009 from: http://muve.gse.harvard.edu/rivercityproject/view/rc_views_interface.htm

Retrieved on March 24,2009 from: http://muve.gse.harvard.edu/rivercityproject/view/rc_views_interface.htm
Retrieved on March 24,2009 from: http://muve.gse.harvard.edu/rivercityproject/view/rc_views_interface.htm
Second Life
Explore Learning
Balcaen (2008) demonstrated
Do virtual labs promotethat simulations,
student flash and
engagement
animations and interactive
overallmedia were highly engaging,
achievement?
providing students with a “problematic” way of thinking,
supporting the development
Bayrak (2008) demonstratedofthat
science concepts. group of
an experimental
physics students using simulations achieved higher than
the
Suncontrol groupfound
et al. (2008) who received only using
that students face tothe
face
online
instruction.
virtual labs achieved better grades compared to those in the
control group having
Stuckey-Mickell a traditional lab experience.
and Stuckey-Danner (2007) showed that
student comments suggested that virtual labs may enhance
learning through
Dede et al. (2005)increased
found thatengagement.
when middle school students
used a virtual lab called River City there was a high level
Pyatt and Sims (2007) found significant increases in
of engagement as demonstrated by a decreased
student achievement and understanding after students were
absenteeism rate of 35%,
engaged in a virtual chemistry lab.
http://innovateonline.info/media/images/v-learning-figure5(2211).jpg
Will virtual labs replace traditional labs?
What do students think about virtual labs?

Science 10 Student Statements from March 2009 After

Using Explore Learning

Explain what you liked about virtual labs.

“Easy and fun”
“Using computers”
“Hands on”
“Ability to interact”
“Less time consuming” and “visual”

Explain what you did not like compared to the traditional lab.
“Too Repetitive”
“It did not feel like a lab”
Technical problems”
“Not hands on” or “as fun as the real thing”

What are some important characteristics of this lab activity that kept
you interested and engaged in the activity?
“Seeing changes happening on the computer”
“Interacting”
“Keeping track of data”
“Time constraint to complete lab”
 Future Considerations

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