Effectiveness of virtual laboratories as additional material in online science education

Laboratories in educational institutions are inadequate in many ways. Well-structured virtual laboratories have the potential to overcome these limitations thanks to developing computer technologies.The purpose of this research is to analyze the attitudes of learners and faculty members about virtual laboratories used in online science education. The research is established based on the theories of Diffusion of Innovations and Constructivism.In this research, the attitudes of learners who are enrolled Chemistry Technology Associate Degree Program in Anadolu University at distance and the faculty members who are responsible at the program about virtual laboratories are configured by using qualitative research methods and techniques. In this context, satisfaction of learners and faculty members on virtual laboratories, the perceived advantages and limitations of them are examined in depth with explanatory/descriptive case study. For this purpose, focus group interviews are made with 8 learners and 2 faculty members, the findings and recommendations are described by interpreting the results.