ºÚÁÏÍø

Title of the thesis: Effect of web-based virtual laboratories on laboratory learning

Thesis defender: Samuel Girmay
Opponent: Prof. Maija Aksela, University of Helsinki, Finland
Custos: Prof. Antti Karttunen, Aalto University School of Chemical Engineering

Hands-on laboratory work is essential in science and engineering education, but it is costly, resource-intensive, and not equally accessible to all students. In his doctoral thesis, M.Sc. (Tech.) Samuel Girmay developed web-based 360° virtual laboratories for laboratory education and investigated their effect on laboratory learning. These browser-based environments allow students to familiarise themselves with laboratory spaces and work at any time and from any location, without additional hardware or software installations.

The study found that the virtual laboratory environment broadened learning-related brain activity compared to the control group, indicating deeper cognitive processing, even though there was no difference in exam results. Eye-tracking measurements showed a 13% increase in students' focus on learning materials. The virtual laboratory environment also did not increase cognitive load.

The results demonstrate that web-based 360° virtual laboratories are a scalable and accessible way to support laboratory education. They do not replace traditional laboratory work, but provide a significant complement, particularly when physical laboratories are limited or students have diverse learning needs. The results also offer practical guidance for the design of virtual laboratories to support laboratory education in higher education, as well as for researching their impact.

Keywords: virtual laboratory, visual attention, engagement, laboratory education, EEG and eye-tracking, cognitive load

Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at .

Contact information: samuel.girmay@aalto.fi