Abstract
Information technology has provided new innovations to sustain constructing an artificial educational environment by means of computers. Certain artificial environments sometimes go beyond natural environments, such as simulations and virtual reality, which is a sophisticated educational technology emerging for less than a decade (Hamit, 1993). Virtual reality is distinguished by unique sorts of interaction, that responds to users' behaviors and actions. Unlike traditional multi-media, virtual reality offers a distinctive level of interaction. Hence, virtual reality is considered to be a new model of computer-based learning, that provides the individual learner with a wider range of scientific vision (Chow & Andrews, 2007). This kind of educational technology provides an advanced individualized learning perfectly meets the educational needs and provides a high level of flexibility and freedom from constrains of time and place (Barbour & Reeves, 2009). One of the most important features of Virtual reality is the easily and continuous material update aiming to attain learning objectivity and interest (Al-Shanak & Doumi, 2009).
With the increasing popularity of virtual educational technology, globally and locally, the development of virtual learning environment became an important field of science which has its own basics and principles. On observing the reality of science education in Arab region today, the learner is constrained to the theoretical method in acquiring knowledge, rarely allowed to apply these knowledge practically. This is due to several reasons including; the lack of laboratory devices, the risks that may result from applying some scientific experiments, and the high cost of materials (Al-Raid, 2008).
The above display demonstrates the need to apply virtual learning environment in teaching science. The current paper will tackle this issue, highlighting the following themes:
- What is meant by: virtual reality, virtual environment, and virtual learning?
- What are the characteristics and features of virtual learning systems?
- What are the characteristics and possibilities of virtual learning environment of science?
- What is a virtual lab?
- Why the need arises to virtual labs?
The importance of the paper: The importance of the current study is demonstrated in its relevance and advantage to various aspects of educational process, which could be stated as follows:
- The current paper contributes to present definitions to the following terms: (virtual reality, virtual education, virtual laboratory, virtual instructor).
- Investigates the importance of scientific virtual environment.
- Presents recommendations and suggestions.