Mapping the development of virtual laboratories in higher education in China: a bibliometric study

Abstract

The growing incorporation of virtual laboratories in higher education marks a historical turning point in the practice of experimental teaching. The research examines the Chinese literature of virtual laboratories collected from the CNKI database through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Key research areas, research hotspots and research trends are determined by the use of co-word and clustering analysis through COOC software. The results show that the core technology of virtual simulation technology plays an irreplaceable role in improving the experimental teaching method, while revealing the shortcomings of the integration of the emerging technologies of Artificial Intelligence and Virtual reality in the research of this subject area. The information obtained is going to prove to be very useful for improving the functioning of the virtual laboratories in relation to the promotion of greater interactivity, personalisation and scalability of learning environments. The study proceeds to make some strategic suggestions important for future work in the field as well as for practical applications of the technology in both precarious and in firm areas of development found in relation to virtual laboratories in education.