Virtual Worlds and Augmented Reality for STEM Labs

Why build a dedicated science lab building/addition in the real world when we instead could use Virtual Worlds and Augmented Reality for our science labs at a much lower cost?

Potkonjak et al. (2016) Virtual laboratories for education in science, technology, and engineering: A review present a comprehensive review and assessment that makes it clear the technology is not there just yet - but I would expect the for-profit, competency-based higher education industry to lead the way. Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything provides a nice compilation of resources for using Augmented and Virtual Reality in the Classroom.

Want more? Heradio et al. (2016) Virtual and remote labs in education: A bibliometric analysis presents a literature review on the role of virtual and remote labs in STEM education.

One interesting example is the remotely-operable electron microprobe (EMP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) at Florida International University.

Other examples:

• Online SEM and EPM 
• Virtual Robotics Lab (The Mind Project)
• Robot Virtual Worlds
• USARSim
• Biology Labs On-Line
• Virtual Chemistry Experiments
• Virtual Fieldwork Experiences
• OpenSimulator (Use in K-12 Schools)
• Open Wonderland
• Open Cobalt