Virtual Reality-Based Laboratory Education: A Case Study in Microbiology

Virtual reality (VR) in education involves creating simulated interactive environments in which students learn concepts through hands-on experience and immersion. Using VR for simulation-based training caters to learning in an engaging manner without physical limitations. Virtual laboratories are considered one of the most promising applications of VR in education. In a virtual laboratory, students become practically familiar with specialized concepts and processes without the need for real equipment and with reduced risks. Although using technologies such as VR plays a significant role in science education, limited research has examined students' familiarity with this technology and its impact on learning. This study aimed to assess students' awareness of virtual laboratories, explore their views on the effectiveness of 3D interactive environments, and analyse their willingness to use these technologies in microbiology education. The findings showed that $83 \%$ of students rated 3D environments as engaging and interactive in education. Also, the result shows that $92 \%$ of students preferred a combination of traditional and virtual methods, indicating the complementary role of the two methods in education.