Integration of Virtual Labs in Teaching-Learning and Assessment

The global education development agenda reflected in Goal 4 (SDG4) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015, seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030. To accomplish Goal 4 (SDG4), NEP 2020 emphasized creating Virtual Labs so that all students have equal access to quality practical and hands-on experiment-based learning experiences.

With the increasing challenges posed by technological advancements, young learners are required to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These skills can be nurtured through innovative pedagogical approaches. To enhance the learning experience, pedagogy should adapt to become more experiential, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centered, discussion-based, flexible, and engaging. This transformation can be effectively achieved by adopting a learning-by-doing approach.

Learning by doing is a process in which learners understand concepts through the experiences they gain by engaging in activities. This gives them an opportunity to explore and understand concepts in greater depth. Teachers can support this process by using hands-on and creative modes of learning on a regular basis. The recommendation of NEP 2020 Clause 24.4 states that “existing e-learning platforms such as DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and SWAYAMPRABHA will also be leveraged for creating virtual labs so that all students have equal access to quality practical and hands-on experiment-based learning experiences”.

As per the recommendation of NEP 2020, Virtual Labs were launched on DIKSHA on 29th July 2022, which not only help learners but educators as well by making learning experiential. Using simulations, students can understand concepts by performing experiments online rather than merely watching videos or reading text. Virtual Labs offer diverse resources, including videos/animations, simulations, and self-assessments, enabling hands-on experimentation and fostering a learning-by-doing approach.

About 854+ Virtual Labs are available through DIKSHA and can be accessed by scanning the QR codes in NCERT textbooks, through the DIKSHA portal and mobile application, via Personalized Adaptive Learning (PAL), and through Ask DIKSHA, ensuring seamless access to curriculum-aligned learning resources anytime and anywhere.

To make effective use of these rich resources, teachers and students need in-depth orientation, from the purpose of pedagogical incorporation to self-paced learning using Virtual Labs in the classroom or at home. Hence, CIET-NCERT has planned to organize five days of online training on “Integration of Virtual Labs in Teaching-Learning and Assessment” from 7th September 2026 to 14th September 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.