Is a Virtual Reality-based Laboratory Experience a Viable Alternative to the Real Thing?

Laboratory practice is an important tool in the education of engineering students. The practical aspect of a laboratory-based education provides a tactile experience for students that allows students an opportunity to understand concepts and also prepare them for the engineering job market. One of the challenges faced by many institutions is that laboratory equipment and machines are costly and, as a result, a viable alternative option should be sought. This necessitates the adoption of virtual reality-based laboratory experiments that provide a laboratory-based instructional experience, similar to that of a real laboratory, yet utilizes a three-dimensional virtual simulation. This provides students with an opportunity to carry out experiments virtually and achieve instant results. In this study, a practical laboratory experience is provided through the use of a virtual reality simulation that is based on a real laboratory. Students are familiarized with the equipment through the provision of the real-world electronic bench equipment and simple electronic components resembling the real laboratory environment. The effectiveness of the virtual reality laboratory is studied using three sets of engineering students. The sets of students include those who have engaged in an actual laboratory experience, those who have experienced only the virtual reality-based laboratory environment, and a third group who has experienced both the real and the virtual reality laboratories. Using a common quiz, each set of students is assessed in their ability to identify and describe the uses of various laboratory equipment. Through the assessment, the viability of the virtual reality-based laboratory is studied regarding the effectiveness of it as an education tool. Recommendations are also made for institutions interested in designing similar experiences.