The use of virtual labs as an
alternative for developping
countries
By Miss T E Mashayahanya
Presentation contents
•
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction
Dr dale cone of learning
Disadvantage of traditonal labs/ physical labs
Requirements of virtual labs
Benefits of virtual labs
Conclusion
introduction
•
•
•
•
•
Steve jobs
Bill Gates
Thomas Edison
Carlos Slim Helu
Strive masiiwa
• America is one of the richest countries in the
world because they have grasped the use of
technology.
• Where are we lacking?
• Why can’t we follow suit?
Catch them young
• About 60 % + schools in Zimbabwe do not
offer sciences for both ordinary level and a
level
• children are the future of our economy and as
such they need to be taught subjects that can
boost econony like sciences
The need for labs in sciences
• To support the learning of
theory
• To develop a body of
knowledge
• To develop a body of skills
involving
Dr dale’s cone of learning
Disavantage of traditional lab
• Lack of adequate laboratory equipment sometimes
limits the teacher to simple lab activities.
• Setting up for a laboratory activity is time- consuming.
• Supervision of students is difficult because students
will be crowded at experiments table.
• Because of few resources teachers are forced to group
students in big numbers making the aspect of the
experiment very ineffective since the group
performance does not really reflect a group member’s
understanding of the concept under experiment.
Requirements of virtual labs
• The requirements of virtual labs are simple.
Just a computer and a software disc
Computer lab
Animation in virtual labs
Interactive screen
Benefits of virtual labs
• · for effective explanations of theoretical
concepts
• · for conducting experiments step by step
• · as an interactive medium
• · as flexible, easy-to-use tools
• · as a low cost alternative
• · because of no time and physical restrictions
Cost benefit analysis
Descriprion of item
Science fee
cost
Up to $500 per year per
subject per student
Cost of virtual lab software Up to $1000 for school
licence and can be
installed in upto 200
computers
Cost of desktop computer Up to $ 600 dollars
Total cost for virtual lab
$ 605 for first year
thereafter $5 per year
Laboratory Type
advantages
disavantages
Real
Realistic data
interaction with real
equipment
collaborative work
interaction with supervisor
Time and place restrictions
requires scheduling
expensive
supervision required
Virtual
good for concept
explanation
no time and place
restrictions
interactive medium
low cost
idealized data
lack of collaboration
no interaction with real
equipment
conclusion
• Traditional and virtual labs have to
compliment each other.
• Virtual labs do not totally eliminate the need
for physical labs but limits them to a
manageble number.
• Thank you for your attention