A comparative study on the use of physical and e-labs: a case study at University of Delhi

Abstract

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has shifted from traditional classroom teaching to digital platforms and ‘screen-based' education. The use of e-labs for practical component has raised multiple questions about the effectiveness in bringing precise learning outcomes. The present work comprehends the experience of more than 500 undergraduate science students at the University of Delhi about the use of virtual labs and analyzes their inclination towards the online education system as compared to the physical mode system in reference to practical work. The input from students has been gauged via an online questionnaire. A majority (65%) of survey respondents show their preference for the physical mode of practical education than the virtual mode. It is concluded that the blended mode of teaching and learning promises to benefit students more, rather than shifting the education system entirely to an online mode.