Analyzing the Opportunities and Challenges of the Use of Virtual Science Lab for Science Teaching and Learning in the College of Science and Arts at Najran University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the opportunities and challenges of using Virtual Science Lab (VSL) technology in the college of Science and Arts at Najran University, Saudi Arabia. The survey method is utilized to collect data from 56 faculty members and 263 students via electronic questionnaires concerning the use of VSL in the college amidst the pandemic of coronavirus. The survey questionnaires, consist of closed–ended questions linear scale, multiple-choice grid and open-ended questions for comments and suggestions, were administered among the faculty members and students at the college. Data were analyzed using SPSS program, and the results were obtained, analyzed, and interpreted. The results showed that the use of VSL enhances Science teaching and learning environments and fulfills the requirements of science subjects’ laboratory experiments. They also indicated that the use of VSL witnesses challenges like lack of motivation, analytical and critical thinking skills, cooperation for group work and negative attitude towards the use of internet and they are due to ethical issues and irregularity of student attendance. The researcher suggests that the teacher and students should be more interactive and cooperative to improve the skills of science laboratory experiments through VSL. This research, hopefully, will help teachers as well as students adapt with the new science learning environments.