Blended Learning Approach using Virtual Laboratory Applications in Engineering Chemistry

Traditional classroom teaching practices often lacks the active engagement of students in the class. Performing experiment in the laboratory is one of the most effective methods for getting deep knowledge in chemistry. But sometimes listening theory lectures and performing related experiments in the laboratory does not helps the students to understand the concepts clearly, as this lacks repeatability and visualization of concepts. Induction of virtual laboratory in combination with theory lectures and physical laboratory could solve this problem. Virtual laboratory have multi-faceted advantages such as repetitive performance, easy to handle simulations and remote triggered experimentations. Such remote triggered laboratories found to enhance students' academic performance as it enables them to perform anytime-anywhere. In this paper, we report our observations regarding the use of virtual laboratory experiments in chemistry subject and their role in enhancing First Year B. Tech. engineering students' performance when induced as a blended classroom. UV-Visible spectrophotometry experiment was performed to verify the usefulness of virtual laboratory from student's knowledge perspective. The effect of a blended learning approach was carefully studied and evaluated in comparison with traditional classroom teaching and virtual laboratory. Our study reveals the enhancement of student's performance in a blended learning environment compared to just physical performance in the laboratory and performing individually with the virtual laboratory.