A comparative study on real lab and simulation lab in communication engineering from students’ perspectives

TLDR

Rapid advances in computer technology have led to the widespread adoption of simulation-based laboratories alongside traditional hands‑on labs, sparking debate over their relative merits and challenges. The study aimed to assess students’ perspectives on key aspects of engineering laboratory exercises. Using the Visual Auditory Read and Kinetic model, the authors surveyed students at Multimedia University, Malaysia, to gauge their cognitive styles. Results showed significant differences across most aspects between physical and simulation labs. Keywords: communication engineering laboratories, physical labs, simulation lab.

Abstract

Abstract Over the years, rapid development in computer technology has engendered simulation-based laboratory (lab) in addition to the traditional hands-on (physical) lab. Many higher education institutions adopt simulation lab, replacing some existing physical lab experiments. The creation of new systems for conducting engineering lab activities has raised concerns among educators on the merits and shortcomings of both physical and simulation labs; at the same time, many arguments have been raised on the differences of both labs. Investigating the effectiveness of both labs is complicated, as there are multiple factors that should be considered. In view of this challenge, a study on students' perspectives on their experience related to key aspects on engineering laboratory exercise was conducted. In this study, the Visual Auditory Read and Kinetic model was utilised to measure the students' cognitive styles. The investigation was done through a survey among participants from Multimedia University, Malaysia. The findings revealed that there are significant differences for most of the aspects in physical and simulation labs. Keywords: communication engineering laboratoriesphysical labsimulation lab