WEB BASED VIRTUAL LABORATORY FOR EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS (SIMULATOR AND SOLVER) FOR YOBE STATE UNIVERSITY

International Journal of Computer Science (IJCS) Published by SK Research Group of Companies (SKRGC)

Abstract

This study aims to design, develop, and evaluate a web-based Experimental Physics Simulator and Solver to improve the practical learning experience of 100-level science students at Yobe State University (YSU), Damaturu. The research was motivated by persistent challenges including inadequate laboratory facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and limited hands-on experimentation opportunities, which collectively hinder students’ mastery of essential practical skills. The system was developed using the Waterfall Software Development Life Cycle model, employing HTML5, CSS, JavaScript for the front-end, and MySQL for data management. The study contributes by providing a scalable, cost-effective virtual laboratory tailored to a resource-constrained educational environment. Unlike many existing systems, it integrates multiple experiments within a single web-based platform accessible across devices, thereby enhancing flexibility, engagement, and independent learning. The web-based platform ensures cross-platform accessibility on both computers and mobile devices, providing a cost-effective, scalable solution that enables self-paced, repeatable experimentation. This virtual laboratory represents a significant pedagogical innovation for resource-constrained educational settings, offering a sustainable alternative to supplement traditional laboratory sessions while enhancing conceptual understanding through interactive visualization and real-time feedback mechanisms. To evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the system, preliminary validation was conducted by comparing simulation outputs with established theoretical physics models, while usability testing involved university physics laboratory instructors and students interacting with the system. The results indicated that the simulator produced accurate outputs consistent with theoretical expectations and was user-friendly for learners. The simple pendulum with length of 1.0m gives a Period (T) = 2.0 s. for acceptability test, 20 staff and 100 students used the system and reported its acceptability result. According to the test result both the staff and the students recommended the system for virtual experiment. The result reveals that simplicity got 88%, accurate results 75%, clarity 80% and acceptable 90%. The system demonstrates potentials to bridge the practical skills gap, improve academic performance, and foster greater engagement in physics education among introductory science students.

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Keywords

Experimentation Opportunities, Interactive Learning, Simulation, Virtual Laboratory, Web-Based Application