Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

Abstract

Abstract: The social distancing policy as the basis for implementing learning from home makes it difficult for some teachers and students to adapt due to sudden changes. Online practicum learning at SMK is more challenging to implement. Students must possess the demands cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies. The main challenge for online learning in vocational education is how to expand traditional practice laboratories to the internet. This article synthesizes the study of virtual laboratories for online practicum learning. Articles published in the last five years are systemically reviewed. The existence of a laboratory that is fundamental to the experimentation of an object needs to be confirmed for its existence. Initially, virtual laboratories were developed to manipulate the presentation of difficult-to-handle materials in natural laboratories and abstract overview concepts. Opportunities to manage content that resembles actual conditions, visualization of complex materials, limited resources that can be overcome, personalization of learning, the minimal possibility of work accidents, the flexibility of time are the advantages of a virtual laboratory. Students are assumed to experience real-life education in the laboratory. Prepracticum demonstrations in natural laboratories provide an opportunity to increase the achievement of learning objectives. Types of virtual laboratories that can be developed in online practicum learning are video-based laboratories, web-based laboratories, and remote-based laboratories. With the existence of a comprehensive study, the research results can be a reference for the development of virtual laboratory media for vocational learning.

Keywords: online learning, online practicum, pandemic, virtual laboratory.