Virtually as good?

The value of hands-on practical work as a component of science education has been debated for decades. While most science educators strongly support laboratory work, there are often question marks over the purpose and goals of such activity.

In recent years, austerity and the advance of technology have led to increased interest in the concept of virtual experiments that might replace traditional (and expensive) laboratory-based practical work, while still allowing students to achieve learning outcomes.

Hawkins and Phelps have reported the outcomes of a study that probed the efficacy of a virtual lab in comparison with a hands-on equivalent.