Investigation of the Factors Affecting Open and Distance Education Learners’ Intentions to Use a Virtual Laboratory

Abstract

Laboratories, which are an integral part of education in disciplines that require hands-on training and application, can now be presented using new technologies, and application activities can be realized at a distance. In this study, virtual laboratories (VLs) are discussed, and factors affecting the students’ intention to use VLs are investigated. The study was conducted within laboratory applications of circuit analysis within an associate degree program of a distance teaching university in Turkey. In this study, which used exploratory sequential design approach, the learners’ intentions to use a VL were examined within the framework of the technology acceptance model (TAM). Content analysis was used for the analysis of qualitative data, and the partial least squares structural equation model was used for the analysis of quantitative data. As a result of the study, the developed TAM-based research model is a useful conceptual framework towards understanding and explaining the intentions of learners’ virtual laboratory usage. The results of this study will guide institutions to integrate VLs effectively into the education process and to increase and disseminate the use of VLs by learners.

Student Acceptance Study of PhET Simulation with an Expanded Technology Acceptance Model Approach

“…In accordance with earlier studies (Çivril & Özkul, 2021;Kamble et al, 2019;Mohammadi, 2015;Rodríguez Lera et al, 2021;Wu & Chen, 2017), perceived value has a beneficial impact on behavioral incentive to utilize. This goes against what was just said.…”

Validity Test Analysis of Virtual Laboratory-Based Job Sheet for Power Electronics Course

“…The Virtual Laboratory (VL) is computer software that is used to observe or carry out experimental activities as is done in Real Laboratories (RL). The VL is designed to have the same shape, atmosphere, function, tools, and practicum materials as Real Laboratories (RL) [12][13][14]. In other words, the VL is a representation of RL.…”

“…Therefore, it is expected that the student experiences in carrying out practical learning will remain the same as learning in RL. Several research results show that VL is a practicum learning implementation whose use has increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic to support the implementation of remote learning [12,15,16]. The VL is also effectively applied in the practicum learning process in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, vocational, chemistry, biology, and nursing [16][17][18].…”

“…The learning process is gradually carried out face-to-face with a blended learning model that combines face-to-face learning with remote learning [19,20]. The VL is still used as a practicum learning media combined with face-to-face learning in RL [12,16]. The results of previous research indicate that one of the factors influencing the success of implementing the practicum learning process using VL is the availability of job sheets that can serve as a guide for students in conducting practicum activities.…”

“…The results of previous research indicate that one of the factors influencing the success of implementing the practicum learning process using VL is the availability of job sheets that can serve as a guide for students in conducting practicum activities. [12,21]. Job sheets are guidelines or practical work procedures that are arranged according to the learning material.…”