Abstract

PATRON GUILLERMO, Oscar Eduardo; SCHLATTER, Gabriel Vianna; ROCKENBACH TAROUCO, Liane  and  BEHAR, Patrícia Alejandra. Teaching and learning hydraulics through a Virtual Learning Laboratory. Rev. electrón. investig. educ. cienc. [online]. 2017, vol.12, n.1, pp.43-54. ISSN 1850-6666.

This document describes a study on the use of a Virtual Laboratory for Learning Hydraulics (LVAH) and its impact on students development in a fluids mechanic's course in engineering courses.  A total of 414 students, from three different engineering courses, participated in the survey.  The developed lab allows simulation of various processes related to three laboratory practices: channel speed, Venturi gauging and tank emptying.  The structure of the virtual lab and the pedagogical approach allowed interaction of students with various components of the test, changing virtual lab factors and variables, making it possible to repeat experiments with new parameters and immediately analyze results. After using the virtual lab, students answered a questionnaire, which allowed a qualitative evaluation on the use of this virtual resource, as well as an applied concepts test.  Average score in student's tests who used the virtual lab was significantly higher than those who did not use. The main contribution of this document is to present a learning object and a methodology of use that are proven to generate higher learning gains in fluids mechanics concepts.

Keywords : Virtual learning lab; Fluid mechanics; Experimental learning; University laboratory.

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