Nothing Is More Immersive Than Reality

(This text is written for IB English B)

So, no more physical lab than?

I recently heard a news report that all scientific experiments in school laboratories might be replaced by virtual experiments. Since all my science classes were in physical labs, that news made me want to try out one virtual lab. So today, I will share with you my perspective about why physical labs are WAY BETTER than virtual labs.

We know that the type of laboratory has an impact on our science class experience. We may have our science class either in a traditional (physical) lab or apparently in a virtual lab! Wait for a second... What is a virtual lab? Well, it could be any kind of instructional multimedia resources that are used to teach experimental activities instead of performing real experiments. It may include video clips, flash animation and computerized simulations that help us understand and learn about scientific phenomena.

I firmly believe that physical labs are better than virtual labs in many ways. First of all, physical labs provide us with an effective way to learn something is to practice by doing, not watching the screen and clicking the buttons of the computer. Truly, some simulations ask students to be involved in the processes to operate the computer program. However, in my opinion, it’s almost like reading books or watching demonstrations. We are just sitting down and thinking about variables and the results. In contrast, in authentic lab activities we can feel the excitement deep in our hearts. In short, authentic lab activities are more effective teaching methods than virtual ones by providing us with an opportunity to “learn by doing" or "hands-on experience"

Secondly, the efficiency of using virtual labs as a teaching tool depends on our prior knowledge and learning abilities. Well, we- as students- need to know how to do basic things with a computer. However, not every student has that opportunity to meet with a computer back then. When I searched the articles about virtual labs, I found out that many simulations are aimed at being used by university students. We may think that the operation of these virtual labs needs enough maturity so that users understand the operational procedures and usefulness of the program.

Blah blah blah...

These were some of my arguments against virtual labs. But do you want to know the real reason why I didn't like the virtual labs?

Virtual labs are not teaching tools that promote our creativity. In a real experiment time, we can operate our tools and apparatus as differently as we want. We can design new experiments as we want, which is awesome! Sometimes I didn’t follow the procedure that my teacher asked and I used to play with my tools such as pulleys and magnets. Although those behaviours occasionally not praised, I know in my heart that I learn something from those plays. Something that any book or lecture cannot teach me. Indeed, I firmly believe that creativity is one of the most important characteristics that scientists should have. Unfortunately, with virtual labs where activities are limited by the program, it is hard to develop creativity because our experiences will be limited to what professors or teachers put into the computer program.

Final thoughts

To sum up, virtual labs do not generally excite us as we are just pushing a few buttons on our computes, which may make us bored to death... Also, since virtual labs require some computer skills -and a computer obviously- not every student have the opportunity to benefit from them. Last but definitely not least, virtual labs are creativity- killers, they don't enable us to discover the fascinating edges of science. So, my vote is for physical labs, but eventually, it depends on the preference of course.