Virtual Laboratories for Engineering Education

The analysis of existing virtual laboratories for engineering education is carried out. It is shown that virtual laboratories are an effective alternative to real laboratories. Users can get access to such laboratories at any time and from any place. Typically, virtual labs are cheaper than real ones. Such laboratories allow users to change operating parameters over a wide range while carrying out experiments, to conduct virtual experiments with hazardous substances or such that are practically impossible to carry out in real conditions or require significant financial resources. At the same time, the disadvantages of virtual laboratories are reviewed. In addition, an analysis of current trends in the development of virtual laboratories for engineering education is presented. Conclusions are made that blended learning can serve as a promising one.