Alternatives to Traditional Physical Science Laboratory Experiences: A Review

There is a lot of concern around the increasing difficulties faced in providing
hands-on experiences for the science learner who is separated from the
institution in space and time. This is evidenced by conflicting research reports
on students’ ability to manipulate laboratory equipment after participating in
online experimentation. Since the importance of the laboratory practical
cannot be ignored in distance delivery, there is a need to explore alternatives
to the on-campus laboratory. The current research conducted a review of
peer-reviewed empirical articles on these alternatives which include home kit
labs, virtual labs, and remote labs. It included 70 selected articles published
in English from 2006 to 2022. Although the review revealed a preference for
the virtual and remote lab over the traditional one, the advantages of the
latter cannot be ignored. A summary list of advantages (e.g., increased
flexibility and access) and disadvantages (e.g., no face-to-face contact and
some additional costs) outlined in the articles is presented.