TRANSFORMING PRACTICAL LAB WITH POWERPOINT PPT-LAB

Abstract

Starting from the year 2020, the pandemic situation has forced a shift of most learning into the online mode. Making it much more challenging to exercise the physical lab work. Various approaches such as lab demo video and live discussion session were introduced as the immediate alternatives. However, believing the structure is limited and learners may still disconnect from the actual hardware apparatus and hands-on learning experience. Consequently, disrupting the psychomotor learning domain. Knowing there is plenty of professionally developed virtual lab module available in the market, such option incurs much cost which may not be the best option for everyone. An initiative has transformed the lab utilising the familiar software tool. The PowerPoint (PPT)-Lab is a low-cost Lab tool that enhances the interface and interactive element in practical activities while engaging multiple learning domains within learners. The PPT-Lab enables students to practically run the experiment virtually and collect individual distinct data. Embedded with the 3D computer-aided design models, allows a virtual touch experience of the experimental hardware for effective learning which is not the case with the dull 2D images in the lab manual. The PPT-Lab has been globally recognised and implemented across Malaysia and Edinburgh campuses in one of the engineering courses. A survey with first timer and experienced students to the physical lab received very positive feedback. No doubt the physical lab experience is irreplaceable, students still agree that the PPT-Lab provides them a virtual tool to run the exact lab work off-campus.