Virtual Practical Work for Quality Learning in Life and Earth Sciences: Student Performance and Perceptions

Abstract

Although virtual laboratories are increasingly used to address constraints on practical science learning, evidence remains limited on locally developed virtual laboratories in Moroccan lower-secondary science and on evaluations that combine objective conceptual and procedural learning outcomes with multidimensional learner perceptions. This study compared students' conceptual and procedural knowledge after using LabInnov or receiving conventional non-laboratory instruction and examined users' perceptions of the platform. A quantitative exploratory quasi-experimental study used a post-test-only non-equivalent-group design with 34 third-year lower-secondary students from two intact classes, with one class assigned to each instructional condition. The experimental group (n = 17) used LabInnov during two 120-minute sessions, while the control group (n = 17) studied the same scientific content conventionally. Both groups completed a ten-item post-test scored from 0 to 20, and the experimental group completed a 15-item questionnaire assessing satisfaction, usability, perceived understanding, motivation, and collaboration. The experimental group achieved higher post-test scores (M = 13.06, SD = 2.34) than the control group (M = 9.06, SD = 2.04), with a mean difference of 4.00 points, 95% CI [2.47, 5.53], t(32) = 5.318, p < .001, with a large effect (d = 1.82). Questionnaire means ranged from 3.65 to 4.67, and motivation was positively associated with perceived understanding (Spearman's ρ = .631, p = .006). These findings suggest that LabInnov may support conceptual and procedural knowledge when regular practical work is constrained. However, the small sample, post-test-only design, and use of only one intact class per condition prevent causal attribution and leave open the possibility that the observed difference partly reflects class-level characteristics. Conceptually, the study contributes an integrated evaluative perspective on virtual laboratory learning by considering objective conceptual and procedural outcomes alongside multidimensional learner perceptions and the relationship between motivation and perceived understanding within a locally developed Moroccan virtual laboratory context.