Virtual Chemistry Laboratory Testing: The Cognitive, Constructive and Contextual Approaches (VLab-Chem)

Abstract

Virtual laboratories, currently used as an approach to virtual learning, has begun to be adopted in the searching and learning process in schools. The main aim of this paper, is to conduct a study based on two main aspects. Firstly, to develop a virtual reality laboratory based on multimedia, for Chemistry entitled Virtual Reality Laboratory for Chemistry based on the Cognitivist-Constructivist-Contextual approach (VLab-Chem). Secondly, the aim is also to conduct an effectiveness test on the virtual laboratory. The virtual laboratory, Vlab-Chem, was developed based on the Cognitivist-Constructivist-Contextual Life Cycle Development model (KHK^3-VLab-Chem). Effectiveness test on the virtual laboratory, e-VLab-Chem, was conducted based on the quasi-experimental approach, using the ethnographic observational technique, through a case study. The sample of the study comprised of 61 form four students from a Smart School in Melaka called Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato' Dol Said, Alor Gajah, Melaka. The effectiveness test was conducted on two groups: Control (K) and Experimental (E) using t-test. Findings of research found that the experimental group (E) that underwent the teaching and learning process using the virtual reality laboratory VLab-Chem had a higher achievement level as compared to the control group (K) that followed the conventional approach to teaching and learning of chemistry.