Virtual Laboratories in STEM Education: A Scoping Literature Review on E-Learning Innovation

Abstract

As digital learning continues to expand, virtual laboratories have become increasingly prominent in STEM education. This scoping review explores the development and application of virtual labs within online and blended learning settings. It looks into how these resources encourage experiential learning, increase student interest, and offer substitutes for conventional laboratory limitations. The evaluation concentrates on important aspects such as learning objectives, instructional techniques, technology infrastructure, and real-world implementation difficulties. It also identifies recurring limitations in the current body of research, including the lack of adaptable virtual lab designs and limited empirical evaluation. The study highlights the essential role of virtual laboratories in advancing e-learning innovation and outlines future research directions aimed at maximizing their educational impact in STEM fields.