EFFECTIVENESS OF USING VIRTUAL LABORATORY SIMULATIONS IN PHYSICS EDUCATION BY COMPARING THE ACCURACY OF GRAVITATIONAL ACCELERATION RESULTS
M. N. V. Fernando1*, D. H. H. P. Dassanayake2 and M. D. B. Madhuwanthi3
1, 2, 3Faculty of Engineering, NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka
Session: Technical Session E
Abstract
Conducting laboratory experiments is crucial for comprehending physics theories and their practical applications at any educational level. Virtual laboratory experiments have become more popular because of developments in technology. These experiments offer numerous benefits over traditional physical laboratories, including increased flexibility, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and safety. When considering these advantages, it is important to take into consideration how accurate virtual laboratories are in enhancing students' educational levels when compared to physical laboratories. Hence, this study mainly aims to observe how the quality of physics education at NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka, can be enhanced by introducing virtual laboratories. To determine the gravitational acceleration (g), 29 Engineering Foundation students participated in the Simple Pendulum Oscillation Experiment as part of their Physics course. The PhET platform was used to conduct the virtual laboratory, while the physics lab was used to conduct the physical laboratory. According to the results obtained in both physical and virtual laboratories, it was observed that the mean, median and mode āgā values obtained in both methods are closer to the actual gravitational acceleration value. But the āgā values obtained from the physical laboratory consists of higher variability and a wide range of results. This indicates that, in comparison to physical laboratories, virtual laboratories provide more consistent and stable results with less variability. But physical laboratories help the students to improve their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and to understand theoretical concepts. Therefore, this study shows that a combination of physical and virtual experiments in a variety of other disciplines with different kinds of virtual platforms can be further expanded for the advancement of educational technology.
Keywords: oscillation experiment, physical laboratories, physics education, virtual laboratories
DOI: 10.64752/WGWT2087