Virtual Laboratory Applications in Science Education: A Systematic Synthesis of National Postgraduate Theses

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 118 - 134, 26.12.2025

Kevser Arslan , Vildan Boz Kömü , Asli Görgülü Arı

https://doi.org/10.14744/yjer.2025.010

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to examine the postgraduate thesis studies related to virtual laboratory applications in science education. Based on the purpose of the study, 54 national postgraduate thesis studies within the scope of virtual laboratory applications in science education between 2010-2024 were analyzed based on the determined criteria. The study was carried out as a systematic synthesis study, and the thesis studies evaluated within the framework of the study were examined objectively. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the theses examined aimed to investigate the effects of virtual laboratories on academic achievement, scientific pro-cess skills, 21st-century skills, behaviour, and attitude. It has been determined that the studies are generally based on quantitative design, the study group is aimed at secondary school students, data analyses are carried out with statistical analyses, and achievement tests and scales are used as data collection tools. In addition, it was mentioned that the studies mostly focused on electricity and force-motion units and the positive effect of virtual laboratory applications on many variables. In the context of the results of the study, considering the positive impact of virtual laboratory applications in science education on student achievement, concept learning, and attitudes, the use of virtual laboratories in science education is recommended.

Keywords

Technology , science education , virtual laboratory applications , graduate theses , synthesis study

Ethical Statement

Since no data was collected from individuals and no experimental application was carried out within the scope of the research, no ethics committee approval was obtained.

Supporting Institution

The authors have not declared any financial support.

Fen Eğitiminde Sanal Laboratuvar Uygulamaları: Ulusal Lisansüstü Tezlere Dayalı Sistematik Bir Sentez

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, fen eğitiminde sanal laboratuvar uygulamaları ile ilgili yüksek lisans tez çalışmalarını incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmanın amacına uygun olarak, 2010-2024 yılları arasında fen eğitiminde sanal laboratuvar uygulamaları kapsamında yapılan 54 ulusal yüksek lisans tez çalışması belirlenen kriterlere göre analiz edilmiştir. Çalışma sistematik bir sentez çalışması olarak gerçekleştirilmiş ve çalışma kapsamında değerlendirilen tez çalışmaları objektif bir şekilde incelenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda, incelenen tezlerin sanal laboratuvarların akademik başarı, bilimsel süreç becerileri, 21. yüzyıl becerileri, davranış ve tutum üzerindeki etkilerini araştırmayı amaçladığı ortaya çıkmıştır. Çalışmaların genel olarak nicel tasarıma dayandığı, çalışma grubunun ortaokul öğrencilerini hedeflediği, veri analizlerinin istatistiksel analizlerle yapıldığı ve veri toplama aracı olarak başarı testleri ve ölçeklerin kullanıldığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, çalışmaların çoğunlukla elektrik ve kuvvet-hareket üniteleri ile sanal laboratuvar uygulamalarının birçok değişken üzerinde olumlu etkisine odaklandığı belirtilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçları bağlamında, fen eğitiminde sanal laboratuvar uygulamalarının öğrenci başarısı, kavram öğrenimi ve tutumlar üzerindeki olumlu etkisi göz önüne alındığında, fen eğitiminde sanal laboratuvarların kullanılması önerilmektedir.

Keywords

Teknoloji , fen eğitimi , sanal laboratuvar uygulamaları , yüksek lisans tezleri , sentez çalışması

Ethical Statement

Araştırma kapsamında bireyden veri toplanmadığı ve deneysel bir uygulama gerçekleştiril-mediği için etik kurul izni alınmamıştır.

Supporting Institution

Yazarlar finansal destek beyan etmemişlerdir.

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