A dispute with potentially far-reaching consequences has flared over how far the Internet can go in displacing the brick-and-mortar science laboratory.

... the College Board, one of the most powerful organizations in American education, is questioning whether Internet-based laboratories are an acceptable substitute for the hands-on culturing of gels and peering through microscopes that have long been essential ingredients of American laboratory science.

Virtual labs appear to me as another form of science library with some planned interaction between student and software. It's like reading a book with mostly images vs. mostly written descriptions. I've not seen data that support virtual labs replacing real, hands-on manupulations.

What's your experience? How accurately do your students who use virtual lab learning generalize skills and information to real lab performance?


Tablet PC Education Blog

Hello
We have started a Virtual Science SIG in our BCcampus Online Community.
On December 7th at 12:00pm PST we are planning an online debate to discuss virtual vs hands on science labs.

We will be showcasing some virtual labs created by post secondary instructors, and will have a varied panel of experts online to debate this issue. There is no charge. Our community showcases elearning innovation, initiative, excellence and best practice across all sectors.

We welcome you to join our SIG, our panel discussion and our online community.
BCcampus Online Communities - "BCcampus eLearning Marketplace and Expo Online Community"

Cheers
Sandy