Virtual Laboratory and Self-Efficacy in Optimizing Problem-Solving Skills: A Case in Applied Chemistry Learning in Vocational College

The limitation of laboratory facilities in conducting practical chemistry learning activities has become one of the triggers for less optimal learning processes. Implementation of virtual laboratory simulation becomes a solution to overcome the limited equipment of practicum activities. It is possible to overcome some of the challenges that are currently being experienced in chemistry education by making effective use of virtual laboratories. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the impact of virtual laboratories and self-efficacy on the improvement of problem-solving skills among engineering students in the context of applied chemistry education. The research employs a quasi-experimental design to examine the impact of independent variables on dependent variables. Participants in this study are students enrolled in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering and Utility Engineering Technology programs within the Mechanical Engineering Department of Bali State Polytechnic.  The study utilized data collection instruments consisting of tests assessing problem-solving skills and questionnaires measuring self-efficacy. The current study employs analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) as a statistical method to examine the hypothesis.The hypothesis testing results show that using virtual laboratories has a better effect than problem-solving skill demonstrations when it comes to electroplating learning activities. The observed correlation between self-efficacy and improved problem-solving skills does not seem to result in a significant impact

Pengembangan Laboratorium Virtual Praktik Elektroplating Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Kimia di Pendidikan Tinggi Vokasi

Keterbatasan sarana dalam pembelajaran kimia dapat mempengaruhi proses pembelajaran yang dilakukan kurang maksimal, sehingga penting untuk melakukan inovasi untuk keterbatasan laboratorium tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan media pembelajaran berupa laboratorium virtual untuk kegiatan pembelajaran praktikum kimia. Responden yang dilibatkan dalam penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa jurusan teknik mesin, program studi teknik pendingin dan tata udara serta program studi teknologi rekayasa utilitas. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian dan pengembangan dengan model Lee & Owens, yang terdiri dari 4 tahap, yaitu: (1) Need Assessment/Analysis , (2) Instructional Design , (3)Pengembangan dan Implementasi , dan (4) Evaluasi . Analisis data menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif kualitatif dan analisis statistik deskriptif. Berdasarkan analisis data terhadap hasil validasi isi dan media diperoleh nilai 89,13% dan 87,50%, yang dapat diinterpretasikan sangat valid atau tidak perlu dilakukan revisi terhadap produk yang dikembangkan. mahasiswa memberikan respon positif yakni 76,28%, terhadap implementasi laboratorium virtual sebagai media pembelajaran kimia