Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
PulseExploreClubsResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeClubsExplore
July 3, 2026Humanities and Social Sciences CommunicationsOpen Access

Pedagogical innovations and challenges in inquiry-based learning: a systematically informed narrative review of virtual laboratory applications (2020–2024)

View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Authors

SYSiliang YuXJXiaoyan JiangCZCheng Zhong

Discussion

Loading...

Member takes

Overview

Systematic review explores V-Labs' impact on inquiry learning outcomes, emphasizing design implications for equity.

Key Points

  • The review aims to synthesize findings from empirical studies on the effectiveness of virtual laboratories in inquiry-based science education.
  • Conducted a narrative review of 31 empirical studies from 2020 to 2024 on virtual lab applications.
  • Focused on experimental and quasi-experimental designs assessing inquiry skills, conceptual understanding, and engagement outcomes.
  • Analyzed the influence of educational context, teacher expertise, and learner characteristics on V-Lab implementation.
  • 19 out of 21 experimental studies reported improved learning outcomes compared to traditional instruction methods.
  • Effective V-Labs featured structured inquiry cycles and cognitive load management through clear design and feedback mechanisms.
  • Implementation challenges related to infrastructure and teacher preparedness could exacerbate existing digital inequities.

Cite This Study

Yu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a4753435c29257aa25798f6https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-08156-1
View Full Paper
Ask AI
Bookmark
Share

Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Enhancing experiential science learning with virtual labs: A narrative account of merits, challenges, and implementation strategies2024 · 14 citations
  2. 2Virtual Laboratories in Science Education: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness on Conceptual Understanding and Learning Outcomes2025 · 4 citations
  3. 3Utilizing Virtual Laboratories (V-Labs) to Facilitate Learning in Vocational High Schools: A Systematic Literature Review2024
  4. 4Understanding Virtual Laboratories in Engineering Education: A Systematic Literature Review2024 · 7 citations
  5. 5Virtual Laboratories in STEM Education: A Scoping Literature Review on E-Learning Innovation2025 · 2 citations