Muhammad Hadi Al Aziz, Puput Lismanda Az-Zahra, Siti Nurul Maulida, Dwi Nanto, Taufiq Al-Farizi, Ferry Budhi Susetyo
Teaching physics in the twenty-first century requires innovative approaches that foster essential competencies, including scientific attitudes. Virtual laboratories (Virtual Labs) serve as digital tools that provide students with immersive learning experiences. However, limited systematic analyses have examined their impact on developing scientific attitudes. This meta-analysis investigates the effectiveness of virtual laboratories in enhancing students' scientific attitudes toward physics education. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, 15 studies were selected from 461 published journal articles based on inclusion criteria. The effect size, calculated using Hedges’ g, yielded an overall weighted value of g = 0.933, indicating a substantial positive impact of virtual laboratories on students' attitudes toward physics. Moderator analysis revealed significant variations in effectiveness depending on geographical region, student grade level, and duration of virtual lab implementation. Furthermore, classification by physics domain identified notable differences in effect sizes. Virtual Reality (VR) and PhET simulations emerged as the most commonly used virtual lab tools, often integrated with inquiry-based and problem-based learning methodologies. These pedagogical approaches significantly enhanced students' engagement and attitudes toward physics. This study suggests that physics teachers participate in professional development programs to strengthen their technological and pedagogical expertise. Additionally, this meta-analysis provides valuable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers regarding the effectiveness of virtual laboratories in physics learning, aiding in the development of strategic instructional designs that optimize virtual simulations for enhanced student outcomes. © 2026 Author(s)
Department of Physics Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Banten, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jakarta State University, Jakarta, Indonesia
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