Virtual Laboratories on Student Engagement: A Systematic Review of Inquiry-Based and Problem-Based Learning Effectiveness

Authors

  • Rangga Alif Faresta (Scholar ID https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Lp7WurQAAAAJ&hl=en) Monash University
  • David Ginola Monash Univeristy
  • Indah Astri Natalia Sinambela Monash University
  • Apriliana Apriliana Monash University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33394/jtp.v10i4.12530

Keywords:

Virtual Laboratories, roblem-based Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Student Engagement

Abstract

This literature review aims to investigate the impact of virtual labs integrated with Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) models on student engagement in Science and Physics education. The review examines the effectiveness of applying IBL and PBL models through a systematic literature review, using the PRISMA framework as the protocol. The selected database for this study is SCOPUS, covering the period from 2018 to 2024. The initial screening yielded 1359 articles, of which 20 met the eligibility criteria. This study highlights the paper distribution regarding the virtual laboratories integrating with IBL and PBL showing a positive trend that indicates the field of study has potential for further exploration. Moreover, the study revealed the positive impact on student engagement both from IBL and PBL assisted by Virtual Laboratories. 


References

Alhashem, F., & Alfailakawi, A. (2023). Technology-enhanced learning through virtual laboratories in chemistry education. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4), ep474. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13739

Bahri, A., Putriana, D., & Idris, I. S. (2018). Peran PBL dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Pemecahan Masalah Biologi The Role of PBL in Improving Biological Problem-Solving Skill. Jurnal Sainsmat, VII(2), 114–124.

Borkowski, A.S. (2024). A Blended Approach to Inquiry-Based Learning Using the Example of the Interdisciplinary Course of BIM in Spatial Management Studies: A Perspective of Students and Professor. Education Science, 14, 444. dents and Professor. https:// doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050444

Cahyani, H., & Setyawati, R. W. (2016). Pentingnya Peningkatan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah melalui PBL untuk Mempersiapkan Generasi Unggul Menghadapi MEA. In Seminar Nasional Matematika X UNNES (pp. 151–160). Semarang

Casa-Coila, M.D., Mamani-Vilca, P.S., Pari-Achata, D., Pacori-Zapana, C., Perez-Argollo, K., & Peredes-Aliaga, J.S. (2023). INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING AND COLLABORATIVE WORK IN

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS. Journal of Law and Sustainable Development, 12(3), 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55908/sdgs.v12i3.3440

Candelas, F. A., Puente, S. T., Torres, F., Ortiz, F. G., Gil, P., & Pomares, J. (2003). A virtual laboratory for teaching robotics. Complexity, 1(10), 11.

Chang, C. J., Liu, C. C., Wen, C. T., Tseng, L. W., Chang, H. Y., Chang, M. H., Chiang, S.H.F., Hwang, F.K., & Yang., C.W. (2020). The impact of light-weight inquiry with computer simulations on science learning in classrooms. Computers & Education, 146, 103770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103770 z

Cokar, M., Arredondo, J.H & Wong, M.S. (2021). An Inquiry-Based Learning Undergraduate Laboratory Course During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Chemical Engineering Education, 55(2). https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-126873

Cook, J., Ekstedt, T., Self, B., Koretsky. (2020). Bridging the Gap: Computer Simulations and Video Recordings for Remote Inquiry-Based Laboratory Activities in Mechanics. Advances in Engineering Education, 10(2), 1-22. DOI: 10.18260/3-1-1153-36026

de Jong, T., Linn, M. C., & Zacharia, Z. C. (2013). Physical and virtual laboratories in science and engineering education. Science, 340(6130), 305-308. doi:10.1126/science.1230579

de Jong, T., Sotiriou, S., & Gillet, D. (2014). Innovations in STEM education: the Go-Lab federation of online labs. Smart Learning Environments, 1(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v8i4.2174

Efstathiou, C., Hovardas, T., Xenofontos, N. A., Zacharia, Z. C., deJong, T., Anjewierden, A., & van Riesen, S.A.N. (2018). Providing guidance in virtual lab experimentation: The case of an experiment design tool. Education Technology Research and Development, 66(3), 767–791. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9576-z

Ekici, M., & Erdem, M. (2020). Developing science process skills through mobile scientific inquiry. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 36, 100658. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2020.100658

Elemam, R., Dias, J., Hegazy, N. (2022). A Systematic Review and Proposed Model for Integrating Virtual Reality Simulation Tools with Problem-Based Learning Method in Preclinical and Clinical Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 89(1), 4298-4307. doi: 10.21608/ejhm.2022.256605

Grabau, L.J., & Ma, X.(2017). Science engagement and science achievement in the context of science instruction: a multilevel analysis of U.S. students and schools. International Journal of Science Education, 39(8), 1045- 1068, https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2017.131346814

Heradio, R., De La Torre, L., Galan, D., Cabrerizo, F. J., Herrera-Viedma, E., & Dormido, S. (2016). Virtual and remote labs in education: A bibliometric analysis. Computers & Education, 98, 14–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.03.010

Höhner, N., Mints, M.O., Rodewald, J., Pfeiffer, A., Kutzner, K., Burghardt, M., Schepkowski, D., & Ferdinand, P. (2020). Integrating Virtual Reality in a Lab Based Learning Environment. In: Bourdot, P., Interrante, V., Kopper, R., Olivier, AH., Saito, H., Zachmann, G. (eds) Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. EuroVR 2020. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 12499. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62655-6_6

Kadir, A. (2023). Effectiveness of Virtual Laboratory Utilization in Improving Students' Science Process Skills. Tadib, 26(2), 355-366. https://ejournal.uinmybatusangkar.ac.id/ojs/index.php/takdib/article/view/10913

Kapici, H. O., Akcay, H., & Cakir, H. (2022). Investigating the effects of different levels of guidance in inquiry-based hands-on and virtual science laboratories (Version 1). Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.19071153.v1

Kota, S.D., den Besten, J. Lazendic-Galloway, J., & Sharma, M.J. (2020). STUDENT EXPERIENCES IN LABORATORY PROGRAMS ACROSS THREE UNIVERSITIES: A SNAPSHOT DURING COVID-19 SEMESTER. Proceedings of The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education. https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/IISME/article/view/14542

Kusaeni, T.N.N., Inayah, N., Siraj, T., & Astutik, J. (2024). Implementation of PBL Model to Train Problem-Solving Skills of Kuala Lumpur Indonesian Schools’ Students. INSECTA Integrative Science Education and Teaching Activity Journal, 5(1), 61-70. https://jurnal.iainponorogo.ac.id/index.php/insecta

Lefkos, I., Psillos, D., & Hatzikraniotis, E. (2011). Designing experiments on thermal interactions by secondary school students in a simulated laboratory environment. Research in Science & Technological Education, 29(2), 189–204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2010.533266

Loveys, B. R., & Riggs, K. M. (2018). Flipping the laboratory: improving student engagement and learning outcomes in second year science courses. International Journal of Science Education, 41(1), 64–79. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2018.1533663

Nolen, S.B & Koretsky, M.D. (2018). Affordances of Virtual and Physical Laboratory Projects for Instructional Design: Impacts on Student Engagement. IEEE Transactions on Education, 61 (3), 226-233. doi: 10.1109/TE.2018.2791445.

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., ... Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Systematic Reviews, 10(1), 89. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01626-4

Putri, L. A., Permanasari, A., Winarno, N., & Ahmad, N. J. (2021). Enhancing students’ scientific literacy using virtual lab activity with inquiry-based learning. Journal of Science Learning, 2021(2), 173–184. https://doi.org/10.17509/jsl.v4i2.27561.

Pyatt, K., & Sims, R. (2012). Virtual and physical experimentation in inquiry-based science labs: Attitudes, performance and access. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 21(1), 133-147.

Rodríguez-Triana, M. J., Prieto, L. P., Dimitriadis, Y., de Jong, T., & Gillet, D. (2021). ADA for IBL: lessons learned in aligning learning design and analytics for inquiry-based learning orchestration. Journal of Learning Analytics, 8(2), 22-50. https://doi.org/10.18608/jla.2021.7357

Sánchez-López AL, Jáuregui-Jáuregui JA, García-Carrera NA and Perfecto-Avalos Y (2024) Evaluating effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in promoting students’ learning and engagement: a case study of analytical biotechnology engineering course. Front. Educ. 9:1287615. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2024.1287615

Serungke, M., Muhibbudin, Suhrawardi. (2019). Implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) with a virtual laboratory to improve students' critical thinking and achievement. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, Volume 1460, The 1st Annual International Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 14th–15th September 2019, Kota Banda Aceh, Indonesia. 10.1088/1742-6596/1460/1/012134

Setyowati, A. P., Gunarhadi, & Musadad, A. A. (2023). Development of an inquiry-based virtual laboratory to facilitate biology practicum for high school students. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 6(10), 2024205. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2024205

Supahar & Widodo, E. (2020). The Effect of Virtual Laboratory Application of Problem-Based Learning Model to Improve Science Literacy and Problem-Solving Skills.Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 528, 633-640. 10.2991/assehr.k.210305.092

Susanti, W., Tendra, G., Siswati, S., Nasution, T., Panyahuti, & Simeru, A. (2023). Virtual Programming Laboratory in Collaborative Inquiry Learning to Improve Higher Order Thinking Skills for Work Readiness in the Industrial World. PaperASIA, 39(6b), 63–70. https://doi.org/10.59953/paperasia.v39i6(b).51

Sutarno, S., Setiawan, A., Kaniawati, I., & Suhandi, A. (2017). Pre-Service Physics Teachers’ ProblemSolving Skills In Projectile Motion Concept. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 895(1). IOP Publishing

Tatli, Z., & Ayas, A. (2013). Effect of a Virtual Chemistry Laboratory on Students' Achievement. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 16(1),159-170.

Tiwari, R., & Singh, K. (2011). Virtualization of engineering discipline experiments for an Internet-based remote laboratory. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 27(4), 671-692.

Tülübaş, T., Karakose, T., & Papadakis, S. (2023). A Holistic Investigation of the Relationship between Digital Addiction and Academic Achievement among Students. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 13(10), 2006–2034. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13100143

Tüysüz, C. (2010). The Effect of the Virtual Laboratory on Students' Achievement and Attitude in Chemistry. International Online Journal of Educational Sciences, 2(1). 37-53.

Ural, E. (2016). The effect of guided-inquiry laboratory experiments on science education students' chemistry laboratory attitudes, anxiety and achievement. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 4(4), 217- 227. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v4i4.1395

Van der Graaf, J., Segers, E., & de Jong, T. 2020. Fostering integration of informational texts and virtual labs during inquiry-based learning. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 62, 1-15. .https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101890

von Hoegen, A.De Doncker,R. W., Bragard, M & von Hoegen, S. (2021). Problem-Based Learning in Automation Engineering: Performing a Remote Laboratory Session Serving Various Educational Attainments. 2021 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), Vienna, Austria, 2021, pp. 1605-1614, doi: 10.1109/EDUCON46332.2021.9453925. keywords: {COVID-19;Industries;Remote laboratories;Automation;Pandemics;Nonhomogeneous media;IEEE Fellows;Automation System;Control Theory;Problem-Based Learning;Remote Laboratory Session;Science Education},

Wagino, W., Maksum, H., Purwanto, W., Simatupang, W., Lapisa, R., & Indrawan, E. (2024). Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Student Engagement: Integrating E-Learning Innovations into Problem-Based Higher Education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 18(10), pp. 106–124. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v18i10.47649

Wahyuman, R. E., Rizkiansyah, M., Ariestyani, A., Matondang, R.J.A., and Prawira, I. (2021). Impact of Virtual Reality Laboratory on Student Learning Behavior. 2021 International Conference on Information Management and Technology (ICIMTech), Jakarta, Indonesia, 2021, pp. 773-778, doi: 10.1109/ICIMTech53080.2021.9535095. keywords: {Virtual reality;Data collection;Broadcasting;Information management;Usability;virtual reality laboratory;webqual 4.0 method;student cognitive Engagement;broadcasting vocational},

Wen, C. T., Liu, C. C., Chang, H. Y., Chang, C. J., Chang, M. H., Chiang, S. H. F., Yang, K. F., & Hwang, F. K. (2020). Students’ guided inquiry with simulation and its relation to school science achievement and scientific literacy. Computers & Education, 149, 103830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.10383016

Wisudawati, A. W., & Eka, S. (2014). Metodologi Pembelajaran IPA: Disesuaikan dengan Kurikulum 2013. Jakarta: Bumi Aksara.

Woodfield, B.F., Catlin, H. R., Waddoups, G.L., Moore, M.S., Swan, R., Allen, R., & Bodily, G. (2004). The Virtual ChemLab Project: A Realistic and Sophisticated Simulation of Inorganic Qualitative Analysis. Journal of Chemical Education 2004 81 (11), 1672 DOI: 10.1021/ed081p1672

Xie H, Wang L, Pang Z, Chen S, Xu G and Wang S (2022) Application of problem-based learning combined with a virtual simulation training platform in clinical biochemistry teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front. Med. 9:985128. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.985128

Downloads

Published

2025-07-30

How to Cite

Faresta, R. A., Ginola, D., Sinambela, I. A. N., & Apriliana, A. (2025). Virtual Laboratories on Student Engagement: A Systematic Review of Inquiry-Based and Problem-Based Learning Effectiveness. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan : Jurnal Penelitian Dan Pengembangan Pembelajaran, 10(4), 787–798. https://doi.org/10.33394/jtp.v10i4.12530

Issue

Section

Articles