Understanding Virtual Laboratories in Engineering Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Muhamad Nur Azmi Wahyudi, Cucuk Wawan Budiyanto, Puspanda Hatta

Bachelor of Informatics Education Departement, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

Abstract

Engineering education is considered one of the fields of interest in this 21st century because it incorporates the vital technological literacy required in today^s constantly evolving world. In engineering education, laboratories play a crucial role in providing students need to learn to apply what they have learned before. Conventional laboratories that require students to be in direct contact with their equipment have been widely used, but lately, virtual laboratories have emerged as one of the innovations in education, including engineering education. This research reviewed 41 Scopus-indexed peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2023 with topics on the application of virtual laboratories in engineering education. This research was conducted according to the systematic literature review framework and used PRISMA as the article selection method. The research shows that virtual laboratories^ application in engineering education has many advantages, especially in cost-effectiveness, flexibility, safety, and accessibility. In contrast to the many advantages obtained from virtual laboratories^ applications, there are challenges, such as lack of interactivity, limited content, and being prone to technical issues. This research is expected to contribute to introducing virtual laboratories in more depth, especially in engineering education, so that virtual laboratories can be more widely applied in learning as an innovation that has a positive impact.

Keywords: engineering education- virtual laboratory- systematic literature review-

Topic: Technology in Education