Learning chemistry with VirtualLabs@Uma: a customizable 3D platform for new experimental protocols

In general, students of laboratory courses such as chemistry or biology are not able to replicate at home an experiment of a previously studied class since they lack infrastructure and material. With the possibility of providing multimedia and virtual reality environments on the Web, different applications and virtual laboratories have been proposed. However, most of the existing tools are not flexible enough or are domain-oriented, not supporting the addition of new tailor-made experiments when needed. This paper introduces a new platform for providing a customizable Virtual Laboratory, VirtualLabs@UMa. This application was proposed at University of Madeira in order to provide students with a flexible 3D virtual laboratory and teachers with a platform that can be customized to new experimental protocols. Therefore, chemistry teachers are able to create their own experimental protocols and propose them to their students. Moreover, students can be followed accordingly having their learning needs and difficulties fulfilled. VirtualLabs@UMa is a solution for motivating students and proposing an added value for complementing laboratory courses.