Published Paper Details:

Aim/purpose The aim of the study is to analyse the methods and challenges of online laboratory practicum teaching by science teachers in Mumbai region, based on experiences of the COVID-19 emergency. Background To day the world is facing the highest risk on health due to the outbreak of Covid 19 which started around March 2020 and continuing till now. This resulted in the closure of over 90% of schools, colleges, universities all over the world and resulted in the sudden transition of online mode of teaching from the traditional class room teaching. The ongoing pandemic has given an opportunity to re-think the deep rooted class room mode to online of learning of all the subjects including the ones which require physical laboratories. Methodology For this, a survey method was undertaken and the data pertaining to the methods used to conduct of practicum in the science subjects during normal time (before the outbreak of the pandemic) and the methods used to conduct practicum during the lockdown due to covid-19 , the challenges faced by the teachers in the process, the perception of the teachers about online labs with respect to its effectiveness compared to physical lab, opinion regarding whether it can be used for understanding of the students in addition to the physical lab, whether they would recommend online platform to their institution in future was collected through google form from the teachers teaching in schools colleges in Mumbai region. The data was analysed using SPSS. Contribution The study results are expected to contribute to considering the technology enhanced methods like on line lab, virtual lab, simulation to supplement the physical lab and to create interest, self-learning, experimenting, exiting experiences for the learners by accessing various resources available crossing the geographical boundaries. Findings The results of methods revealed that most teachers were not equipped with the knowledge, skill and technology to conduct experiments by simulations. Some used online labs. Majority of teachers showed live demonstrations of experiments and videos of experiments from You tube, while some showed recorded experiments. The challenges faced were mainly due to lack of face to face interaction, instability in internet connection, inability to create a laboratory atmosphere online and difficulty in assessing learning outcomes. Even though the teachers feel online laboratories cannot be considered as effectively as the physical ones they are positive about considering the option for better understanding and practice beyond the campus. Recommendation: To provide Systematic training for teachers in the technology enhanced methods like on line labs, virtual labs, simulation. Steps need to be taken by government to minimize the challenges faced due to unreliable internet connection. Efforts to be taken by policy makers, institutions and educational technology providers to come together to make the technologies available at an affordable cost to all the students so as to create 21st century requirement of STEM skilled work Further Research The current study has focused only on teachers. A separate study is required to be undertaken for the students to know their perspectives, experiences, challenges and learning outcomes.