Virtual laboratory for chemistry based on the constructivism-cognitivism-contextual approach (VLab-Chem)

This paper highlights the implementation and evaluation of the virtual laboratory for teaching and learning of chemistry (VLab-Chem). For the purpose of this paper, the term virtual laboratory is used to describe a computerized simulated version of the actual laboratory used by students in schools to carryout experiments. Through VLab-Chem, students can interact with the materials and apparatus, and are also able to conduct experiments, carryout observations through simulations and finally make inferences. This paper also discusses the outcome of evaluation conducted on the use of VLab-Chem. The learning modules were designed and developed on the topic: “Acid, Base and Salt”, based on the syllabus of form four students. The evaluation was conducted using five constructs; effectiveness, learnability, ease of use, flexibility and students’ attitude towards the use of VLab-Chem.