Laboratory work is pivotal not only for teaching-learning of Science and Mathematics but also helpful in development of concepts in social sciences, languages including vocational skills as digital resources have been proved to benefit students, teachers and teacher educators in various ways. National Education Policy (NEP) -2020 envisions the development of digital repository of content including creation of coursework, learning games, simulations, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) with a clear public system for rating by users on their effectiveness and quality. The policy recommends creating virtual laboratories so that all students have equal access to quality practicals and hands-on experience. Though, there is no substitute to direct hands-on experience of physical laboratory, virtual laboratory has the great potential to enhance actual laboratory experiences. These e-resources can help students in visualizing the concepts in a better manner.
The virtual labs are based on the idea that lab experiments can be taught using the internet more efficiently in a cost-effective manner. The Virtual Labs will also benefit the students who do not have access to physical labs or schools where equipments are not available owing to being scarce or costly. The Virtual Labs can be accessed anytime and anywhere, overcoming the constraints of time as physical labs are available only during school hours.
- The features of virtual labs disseminated through DIKSHA include:
- Simulations in Science, Mathematics and skill e-labs.
- Animations, lab videos and text documents.
- Perform and learn experiments - anywhere, anytime
- Individualised practice in all areas of experimentation.
- Content aligned to NCERT/CBSE and State Board syllabus.