Use virtual simulations to enhance cognitive learning while prioritizing in-person laboratory sessions for psychomotor and technical skills¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 2 studies (2 review), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review's concluding recommendation for a balanced instructional approach: "the strategical using virtual simulations are recommended to enhance cognitive learning while in-person laboratory sessions for developing psychomotor and technical skills are prioritized too." This pairs virtual modules, which the review found strongest in the cognitive domain, with in-person sessions for hands-on skills. The take-home message frames virtual laboratories as "complementary tools along with traditional hands-on labs."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Careful integration of virtual laboratories, addressing simulation accuracy, effective assessment methods, and maintaining student engagement

Constraints¶

• The review states virtual laboratories "cannot fully replace hands-on practical experience" and should be viewed as a complement to traditional education

Target Learners¶

• Healthcare students in basic medical sciences courses

Target Learning Goals¶

• Cognitive-domain learning and preparation for psychomotor laboratory skills

Claims¶

• The greatest impact of virtual or blended laboratories is in the cognitive domain and the least in the psychomotor domain [+W]
• The review concludes that low-cost simulation methods' ability to fully replace high-fidelity methods remains uncertain, as some critical psychomotor or situational skills may require more immersive training [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Adopt hierarchical hybrid teaching in vocational education: prioritize hands-on training with step-by-step instructional videos, and use industry-standard operational videos with virtual simulation for complicated tasks
• Tiered ECE implementation: virtual and case-based learning first, then simulated patient interaction, then supervised real patient contact
• Integrate ECE into dental curricula through hybrid models balancing simulation and real patient contact
• Integrate simulation technologies with traditional teaching through blended approaches tailored to specific clinical tasks
• Integrate GAI-based teaching into medical curricula with robust curricular integration, technological support, and systematic training for educators and students
• Use laboratory teaching approaches that develop scientific process skills and include activities in which students take responsibility

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Safaeipour Ruhollah, Aalaa Maryam, Mojtahedzadeh Rita, Mohammadi Aeen, Asadzandi Shadi, Mousavi Atekeh. (2025). Virtual or blended laboratories for healthcare students education: a systematized review. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07937-7