The effects of virtual laboratory applications on students' academic achievement and science attitudes in science education

The purpose of this study is to explore the impacts of virtual lab practices in science education on students' academic success and their attitudes toward science classes with the help of a research method involving qualitative and quantitative dimensions. The sixth-grade students who studied at a secondary school in the 2020-2021 academic year in Manavgat, a district of Antalya, participated in this study. Experimental and control groups involving 30 students in sixth grade, who took an academic achievement test and an attitude scale toward science are the samples of the quantitative dimensions of the study. The data were analyzed with the help of statistical analysis and interpreted. According to the results of the analysis, it was concluded that it would be beneficial to integrate virtual laboratory applications into education. Considering the results obtained from the academic achievement test, it was observed that virtual laboratory applications increased the academic achievement of the students in the experimental group in the research compared to the control group. The results of the students' attitude scale show that they have developed a positive attitude towards science. Similarly, with semi-structured interviews, it was concluded that the students benefited from the research, they worked with satisfaction throughout the process, and their attitudes towards the science lesson improved positively.