By Elijah Espiritu
As the country continues to recover from the pandemic, the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) sustains its efforts to improve their remote learning facilities. One of their projects was the Virtual Laboratory Application in Science (VLAS), which is an immersive 360° 3D biology lab simulator providing users with virtual experiments and theoretical knowledge.
DOST-SEI developed VLAS as a way for students to familiarize themselves with a laboratory environment through virtual means. This project aims to build competencies in students who lack access to physical laboratories due to geographical or logistical challenges.
VLAS is currently on its final stretch in development. They plan on releasing for Microsoft Operating Systems and other Virtual Reality platforms by 2025. The project aims to address further the resource integration of ICT in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the team, under the leadership of Josephine Feliciano, believes that their online educational materials can be effectively used as supplementary to classroom teaching as well as in self-learning situations.
A Revolutionary Tool in Science Education
Similar to the motivation for the development of the DOST coursewares, VLAS was developed as a means of mitigating the consistent below average educational score of the country in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It was in this assessment that the Philippines placed 77th out of 81 participating countries.
VLAS has been designed to revolutionize the way students and educators engage with biology experiments. The application offers an immersive virtual environment where users can conduct experiments and gain theoretical knowledge, all within the confines of a digital space.
By offering modules that simulate real-life lab experiences, VLAS bridges the gap between theoretical science education and hands-on laboratory work. Its accessibility, especially for schools with limited resources, positions VLAS as a vital tool in enhancing science education across the Philippines and beyond.
The Role of DOST-TAPI’s Internationalization Campaign
DOST-TAPI’s internationalization campaign has been instrumental in taking VLAS from a local educational tool to an innovation recognized on the global stage. Understanding the potential impact of VLAS, DOST-TAPI worked closely with DOST-SEI to refine the application’s positioning, ensuring that it meets international standards and appealed to a broader audience. This collaboration involved rigorous testing, enhancement of the user experience, and strategic marketing that aligned with global educational trends.
The campaign’s strategic focus on showcasing Filipino innovations in prominent international forums like NSTF-Thailand has provided VLAS with an unparalleled platform to demonstrate its capabilities. Through DOST-TAPI’s efforts, VLAS has gained visibility among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders from various countries, paving the way for potential collaborations and adoptions.
VLAS at NSTF-Thailand: A Milestone for Filipino Innovation
The participation of VLAS at NSTF-Thailand marks a significant milestone for Filipino innovation. The event, known for its high-profile participants and cutting-edge technological displays, is an ideal venue for VLAS to gain international attention. Feliciano and her team aims to impress at the event by showcasing the application’s ability to simulate real-life lab environments, providing an engaging and effective learning tool that is both practical and scalable.
She added that they are hoping to achieve greater international recognition, and a strong international network. Aside from these, she said that her team hopes to win international awards as well.
“ I hope to win an award… [establish] Collaboration and networking with international partners from the producers of technologies and the education sector.”
Josephine Feliciano
On their expectations for VLAS at NSTF
By participating in NSTF-Thailand, VLAS is not only gaining recognition but also contributing to the dialogue on how digital tools can enhance science education globally. This exposure has the potential to open doors for partnerships with educational institutions and technology companies from around the world, further expanding the reach of this innovative application.
Looking Ahead: The Future of VLAS and International Collaboration
As VLAS continues to garner attention on the international stage, DOST-SEI and DOST-TAPI are looking toward the future with optimism. The success of VLAS at NSTF-Thailand will be a clear indication that Filipino-developed educational technologies can compete and excel globally.
With further support and collaboration, VLAS has the potential to become a standard tool in science education worldwide, transforming how students interact with biology and other scientific disciplines. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of internationalization in showcasing the Philippines' innovative spirit and technical expertise, ensuring that the country remains a key player in the global science and technology landscape.
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the National Science and Technology (NST) Fair Thailand 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
