Artificial Intelligence in Creating Virtual Laboratories for Engineering Education

Abstract

The purpose of this proposed study is to analyze the possibilities of applying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in creating virtual laboratories for engineering education, identify key technological and pedagogical components of such systems and assess their potential impact on the quality of education. The methodological framework was based on a quasi-experimental design. For this purpose, 124 students were selected and divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Engineering Skills Assessment, Social Engagement Scale (SES) and AI log files. The analysis was conducted using t-tests. The results noted that students who worked in an AI-supported virtual laboratory demonstrated significantly higher final scores (M = 76.84) compared to the control group (M = 65.37), and the increase in competencies was +18.13 points versus +7.47, respectively. The analysis confirmed the high significance of these differences (t(122) = 4.87, p < 0.001). The conclusions confirm that virtual laboratories, enhanced with adaptive AI algorithms, are an effective tool in engineering education, capable of improving the results of students' practical training.