Virtual Laboratories in STEM Education: A Focus on Onlabs, a 3D Virtual Reality Biology Laboratory

Virtual laboratories in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education adopt a technology-centric approach to practical learning experiences. Laboratory skills have always been a key pillar of Science Education and, almost by definition, are acquired through experience. So, these labs strive to emulate the practical experimentation and observation typically carried out in physical laboratories, but within a virtual environment. The use of virtual labs has gained prominence due to several factors, such as flexibility, reality adaptation, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and safety. As far as the educational impact is concerned, virtual laboratories have been shown to positively impact learner motivation, understanding of complex concepts and natural laws, and retention of knowledge. Onlabs, a freely available software ( http://onlabs.eap.gr ), is a virtual reality educational application developed by the Hellenic Open University. It serves as a tool for imparting laboratory skills to learners by using a 3D laboratory environment suitable for conducting STEM experiments.