Real or Virtual Laboratories in Science Teaching - is this Actually a Dilemma?

• Main Authors: Slavko KOCIJANCIC, Colm O'SULLIVAN
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vilnius University 2004-10-01
• Series: Informatics in Education
• Subjects: data acquisition; computerized experiments; technology teaching; physics education; integrated science
• Online Access: http://www.mii.lt/informatics_in_education/pdf/INFE044.pdf

Considerable pedagogical advantage may be gained by the integration of the different ICT tools commonly used in teaching science and technology, particularly by integrating ``real'' and ``virtual'' laboratory activities. In the context of this paper, ``real'' laboratories involve benchtop experiments utilizing data acquisition systems while ``virtual'' laboratories entail interactive simulations and animations. Examples of such integrated activities are described; namely, (i) the study of wave phenomena using sound and (ii) a study of motion in one dimension. Such integrated computerized teaching tools also provide an opportunity for a greater level of integration of different science and technology disciplines.