Scepticism over Google plan to replace labs with virtual reality
But students performing an experiment in a virtual lab would not necessarily confront all the possible variables and confounding factors that they might encounter in a physical lab, he added.
If a student had only ever used a virtual lab, “are you going to employ that student?” Dr Campen asked.
A spokesman for Labster argued that the technology would offer significant benefits to online-only and campus degrees.
“Many of the labs are built with the use of mathematical modelling that simulates what would happen in the real world. There’s also the ability to dive in and see the reactions and processes at the molecular level, using complex animations that are based on modelling databases,” he said.
“Combining that with the actual immersive environment and interactivity, while allowing students to drive the whole experience…makes students more confident stepping into a lab and using the equipment, but also gives them a better understanding of the concepts and how to apply them.”
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