Teaching in rural schools is frequently marked by challenges ranging from restricted technological infrastructure and geographical remoteness to sparse professional development. Guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this paper reports findings from a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study that investigated…

In the context of globalization and rapid advancement in information and communication technologies (ICT), ICT competence is crucial in professional training, including education. This study focuses on integrating ICT into the educational processes of future science teachers to enhance their ICT competence. The objective is to evaluate ICT's…

Virtual learning technologies have become integral in education globally, with developed countries leading in implementation. In contrast, Global South countries like South Africa are only beginning to conceptualise Virtual Laboratory (VL) integration, with limited practical implementation. This study underscores the importance of understanding…

This paper presents an innovative teaching approach that integrates photoelectric technology with analytical chemistry instruction through inquiry-based learning (IBL), using cerium as a selected analyte. With the advancement of science and technology, a strong foundation of basic knowledge and methodologies is crucial in analytical chemistry…

Physics lab courses permanently undergo transformations, in recent times especially to adapt to the emergence of new digital technologies and the COVID-19 pandemic in which digital technologies facilitated distance learning. Since these transformations often occur within individual institutions, it is useful to get an overview of these…

This case study of an online science laboratory network, the North American Network of Science Labs Online (NANSLO), demonstrates that successful initiatives must fit well within institutions' existing structural and programmatic elements as well as align with institutional goals, course-level programming, and have adequate buy-in at the faculty…

Digital practical work (DPW) has emerged as a highly effective and indispensable component of science education, enhancing and extending traditional laboratory experiences. DPW aims to complement physical laboratory experiments, particularly those that teachers may find challenging to conduct or lack the confidence to perform. In this study, a…

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Instructional labs: Improving traditions and new directions.] Physics instructional labs have long been an area of pedagogical innovation and educational research. While current stakeholders in instructional labs are undoubtedly aware of the day's concerns, reform efforts, and empirical research…

An undergraduate-level Computational Chemistry project was incorporated initially into a Physical Chemistry course and then into the laboratory curriculum in the subsequent application. Before the introduction of the project, the lectures covered quantum chemistry, spectroscopy, and kinetics while simultaneously including computational chemistry…

Engineering education is facing major challenges as it seeks to provide necessary and robust practical experience for all its undergraduate students. The limitation of resources (capital and operational), the increasing number of engineering students and the need to provide safe, up-to-date laboratory experiences have become global issues.…

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Open Distance eLearning (ODeL) represents a significant evolution in STEM education, offering transformative benefits in teaching, learning and administrative processes. This conceptual paper explores how AI-driven platforms are revolutionising ODeL by providing personalised learning…

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a shift in thinking regarding the safe delivery of wet laboratory courses. While we were fortunate to have the capacity to continue delivering wet laboratory experiments with physical distancing and other measures in place, modifications to the mechanisms of delivery within courses were necessary to minimize risk…

This research studied the impact of integrating virtual laboratories in chemistry lessons among 22 pre-service teachers who were enrolled in a Bachelor of Education program, focusing on middle and high school science. These participants were systematically divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group. Both groups engaged in the same…

Science-related competencies are demanded in many fields, but attracting more students to scientific educations remains a challenge. This paper uses two studies to investigate the value of using Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) laboratory simulations in science education. In Study 1, 99 (52 male, 47 female) seventh (49) and eighth (50) grade…

ICT based pedagogy plays a vital role in making school science more relevant, exciting and motivating for students, and it offers opportunities to dissolve the boundaries between school and society. ICT has become a powerful tool that has revolutionised the work of scientists. It is now possible to handle more critical data, and more complex…