Virtual Learning Environments for Education

Virtual learning is increasing as technology advances each day. With virtual learning advancing and the possibility for situations such as Covid-19 to cause school systems to practice only virtual learning, everyone is finding the advantages and disadvantages to this form of learning. In career and technical education, hands-on learning is very important to skill and knowledge development and virtual environments that revolve around specific career and technical education courses is few and far between. This has caused many educators to search for and develop their own learning environments. One virtual learning environment that can be used as a reference for creating and using virtual learning environments is The Virtual Stickleback Evolution Lab. This virtual lab allows the learner to be enveloped into a learning experience that involves a real-world laboratory experiment on stickleback fish. The format of the virtual lab is developed through first person point of view using a divided screen. This format allows the learner to be involved in a lab on the left section of the screen and information or material for learning and support on the right. The learner works their way through the virtual lab that includes choosing, pouring, and inspecting certain items located in different areas of the laboratory with instructions to help guide their experience. Virtual learning environments and labs like this are something that all educators and related individuals should be focusing on and holds a important part in the future of education. 

Use the link below to view and share the Virtual Stickleback Evolution Lab:

The Virtual Stickleback Evolution Lab