Smart Educational Management in the Era of Sources Constraints: Promoting Virtual Laboratories as a Strategy for Educational Equity and Innovation in Science Teaching

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physics Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Educational Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Objective: In contexts where budgetary and infrastructural constraints have challenged equitable access to physical laboratories in many Iranian schools, virtual laboratories have emerged as a low-cost, scalable solution for realizing active learning in experimental sciences.
Methodology: This qualitative research, employing a classroom-based case study design, investigated the feasibility of integrating the interactive simulation platform PhET within the 5E instructional model to teach the concept of density to sixth-grade elementary students. Data were collected through participatory observation, field notes, and diagnostic questions, and analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Results: Findings revealed that the strategic integration of PhET's free simulations available in Persian with offline capability, across the five stages of the 5E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate) enables the implementation of a complete inquiry-based learning cycle without dependence on expensive physical equipment.
Conclusion: Given the high penetration of smartphones among students, this approach not only reduces the structural costs of physical laboratories but also facilitates blended (face-to-face and virtual) instruction and strengthens educational equity in underserved regions. However, the success of this transformation requires two key actions from educational management: (1) designing research-based in-service training programs to empower teachers in the purposeful use of simulations, and (2) structurally embedding virtual laboratory activities into textbook content and teacher guides. This study emphasizes the necessity of transitioning virtual laboratories from optional tools to structural components of the national education system, thereby enhancing the quality of science education at scale without incurring prohibitive costs.

Keywords

New Approaches in Educational Management
Volume 1, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
Winter
December 2026
Pages 51-63

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