Engineering education has gained significant importance in the 21st century due to its integration of essential technological literacy needed in our rapidly changing world. Laboratories, including virtual laboratories, allowstudents to apply theoretical knowledge practically. Virtual laboratories have emerged as innovative tools that offer increased accessibility and flexibility. This study reviewed 29 peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus and published between 2018 and 2023 on the use of virtual laboratories in engineering education. The research employed a systematic literature review framework, utilizing PRISMA for article selection.The findings indicate that virtual laboratories provide numerous benefits, including cost-effectiveness, flexibility, safety, and accessibility. They boost student motivation, engagement, and the ability to apply knowledge while effectively enhancing conceptual understanding and practical skills. Virtual laboratories support the development of pedagogical skills and promote careers in engineering by offering a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment.Despite these advantages, challenges likelimited interactivity, restricted content, and technical issues persist. Virtual laboratories are valuable supplements to traditional laboratories, providing an economical means to explore phenomena and offering a safe space for experimentation. Educators should consider the benefits and limitations ofintegrating virtual laboratories into their curriculum. This study aims to deepen the understanding of virtual laboratories in engineering education, advocating for their broader adoption as an innovative tool with a positive impact.  

Abersek, B., Flogie, A., & Pesek, I. (2019). The impact of innovative learning environments on social competencies of youth. Research in Learning Technology, 27(0). https://doi.org/10.25304/rlt.v27.2214

Achuthan, K., Nedungadi, P., Kolil, V. K., Diwakar, S., & Raman, R. (2020). Innovation adoption and diffusion of virtual laboratories. International journal of online and biomedical engineering, 16(9), 4-25. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v16i09.11685

Al-Khanjari, Z., & Al-Roshdi, Y. (2015, 25-27 Feb. 2015). Developing a virtual lab to support Computer Science Education in Moodle. Proceedings of 2015 12th International Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation (REV),

Al-Nsour, R., Alkhasawneh, R., & Alqudah, S. (2022). Online Engineering Education: Laboratories During the Pandemic - A Case Study.

Ayas, M. S., & Altas, I. H. (2015). A virtual laboratory for system simulation and control with undergraduate curriculum. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 24(1), 122-130. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.21678

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Budai, T., & Kuczmann, M. (2018). Towards a Modern, Integrated Virtual Laboratory System. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, 15(3), 191-204. https://doi.org/10.12700/aph.15.3.2018.3.11

Bunse, C., Kennes, L., & Kuhr, J. C. (2022). On Using Distance Labs for Engineering Education.

Caño De Las Heras, S., Kensington-Miller, B., Young, B., Gonzalez, V., Krühne, U., Mansouri, S. S., & Baroutian, S. (2021). Benefits and Challenges of a Virtual Laboratory in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering: Students' Experiences in Fermentation. Journal of Chemical Education, 98(3), 866-875. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c01227

Cherner, Y. E., Asojo, O., Cherner, P. I., He, Y., & Garmestani, H. (2021). Adaptable virtual X-ray laboratories for online teaching, learning and authentic practice. Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 77(a2), C674-C675. https://doi.org/10.1107/s0108767321090218

Coteli, R., & Gokcan, A. O. (2018). Virtual laboratory for power electronic based reactive power compensators. Tehnicki Vjesnik, 25(Supplement 1), 86-93. https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20161215152915

Damiani, A., Masciocchi, C., Lenkowicz, J., Capocchiano, N. D., Boldrini, L., Tagliaferri, L., . . . Valentini, V. (2021). Building an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Based on Real World Data: The Experience of Gemelli Generator. Frontiers in Computer Science, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2021.768266

Diwakar, S., Radhamani, R., Sujatha, G., Sasidharakurup, H., Shekhar, A., Achuthan, K., . . . Nair, B. (2019). Usage and Diffusion of Biotechnology Virtual Labs for Enhancing University Education in India's Urban and Rural Areas. In I. R. Management Association (Ed.), Biotechnology: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 1359-1379). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-8903-7.ch056

Du, X., Dai, M., Tang, H., Hung, J. L., Li, H., & Zheng, J. (2022). A multimodal analysis of college students’ collaborative problem solving in virtual experimentation activities: a perspective of cognitive load. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 30(2), 272-295. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-022-09311-8

Duan, X., Kang, S.-J., Choi, J. I., & Kim, S. K. (2020). Mixed Reality System for Virtual Chemistry Lab. KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems, 14(4), 1673-1688. https://doi.org/10.3837/tiis.2020.04.014

Ergüzen, A., Erdal, E., Ünver, M., & Özcan, A. (2021). Improving technological infrastructure of distance education through trustworthy platform‐independent virtual software application pools. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 11(3), 1-17, Article 1214. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031214

Estriegana, R., Medina-Merodio, J. A., & Barchino, R. (2019). Student acceptance of virtual laboratory and practical work: An extension of the technology acceptance model. Computers and Education, 135, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.02.010

Giese, T. G., Wende, M., Bulut, S., & Anderl, R. (2020, 27-30 April 2020). Introduction of Data Literacy in the Undergraduate Engineering Curriculum. 2020 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON),

Goldberg, D. E. (2014). A whole new engineer : the coming revolution in engineering education (First edition. ed.). Douglas, Michigan : Threejoy Associates, Inc.

Guo, L., Vengalil, M., Abdul, N. M. M., & Wang, K. (2022). Design and implementation of virtual laboratory for a microgrid with renewable energy sources. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 30(2), 349-361. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22459

Gutiérrez, J. R. L., Ponce, P., & Molina, A. (2021). Real-time power electronics laboratory to strengthen distance learning engineering education on smart grids and microgrids. Future Internet, 13(9), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi13090237

Hermansyah, H., Gunawan, G., & Herayanti, L. (2017). Pengaruh Penggunaan Laboratorium Virtual Terhadap Penguasaan Konsep dan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Siswa pada Materi Getaran dan Gelombang. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika dan Teknologi, 1(2), 97-102. https://doi.org/10.29303/jpft.v1i2.242

Hernandez-de-Menendez, M., Escobar Díaz, C., & Morales-Menendez, R. (2020). Technologies for the future of learning: state of the art. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing, 14(2), 683-695. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-019-00640-0

Hultman, E., & Leijon, M. (2019, 8-11 April 2019). Integration of Real-World Project Tasks in a Course on Automation and Robot Engineering. 2019 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON),

Jara, C. A., Candelas, F. A., Torres, F., Dormido, S., & Esquembre, F. (2012). Synchronous collaboration of virtual and remote laboratories. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 20(1), 124-136. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.20380

Kagami, R. M., da Costa, G. K., Uhlmann, T. S., Mendes, L. A., & Freire, R. Z. (2020). A genericweblab control tuning experience using the ball and beam process and multiobjective optimization approach. Information (Switzerland), 11(3), Article 132. https://doi.org/10.3390/info11030132

Kapilan, N., Vidhya, P., & Gao, X. Z. (2021). Virtual Laboratory: A Boon to the Mechanical Engineering Education During Covid-19 Pandemic. Higher Education for the Future, 8(1), 31-46. https://doi.org/10.1177/2347631120970757

Khandakar, A., Chowdhury, M. E., Gonzales, A. J. S. P., Touati, F., Emadi, N. A., & Ayari, M. A. (2020). Case Study to Analyze the Impact of Multi-Course Project-Based Learning Approach on Education for Sustainable Development. Sustainability, 12(2). https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/sustainability/sustainability-12-00480/article_deploy/sustainability-12-00480-v2.pdf?version=1579426276

Kimko, H., & Lee, K. (2017). Improving Realism in Clinical Trial Simulations via Real-World Data. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology, 6(11), 727-729. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/psp4.12232

Koretsky, M. D., Nefcy, E. J., Nolen, S. B., & Champagne, A. B. (2023). Connected epistemic practices in laboratory-based engineering design projects for large-course instruction. Science Education, 107(2), 510-550. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21769

Kumar, R., Neha, K., & Dwivedi, V. K. (2021). Virtual Laboratories as Interactive E-Learning Resources: Benefits and Limitations. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology, 9(12), 1621-1625. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2021.39571

Lei, Z., Zhou, H., Hu, W., & Liu, G. P. (2022a). Toward an international platform: A web-based multi-language system for remote and virtual laboratories using react framework. Heliyon, 8(10), e10780, Article e10780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10780

Lei, Z., Zhou, H., Hu, W., & Liu, G. P. (2022b). Unified and Flexible Online Experimental Framework for Control Engineering Education. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 69(1), 835-844. https://doi.org/10.1109/TIE.2021.3053903

Lu, X., Tian, D., He, Y. T., Yao, L., & Fan, R. L. (2015). A web‐based virtual laboratory for electron probe microanalysis. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 23(4), 489-498. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.21620

Luse, A., Brown, A., & Rursch, J. (2021). Instruction in 802.11 Technology in Online Virtual Labs. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(1), 12-17, Article 9121708. https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2020.2998701

Luse, A., & Rursch, J. (2021). Using a virtual lab network testbed to facilitate real-world hands-on learning in a networking course. British Journal of Educational Technology, 52(3), 1244-1261. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13070

Lutsenko, G. V., Podolian, O. M., & Ozhyndovych, L. M. (2020). Project-based STEM-courses for engineering students. Engineering and Educational Technologies, 8(2), 53-68. https://doi.org/10.30929/2307-9770.2020.08.02.05

Marks, B., & Thomas, J. (2022). Adoption of virtual reality technology in higher education: An evaluation of five teaching semesters in a purpose-designed laboratory. Education and Information Technologies, 27(1), 1287-1305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10653-6

Martín Erro, A., Nuere Menéndez-Pidal, S., Díaz-Obregón Cruzado, R., & Acitores Suz, A. (2022). A framework for visual literacy competences in engineering education. Journal of Visual Literacy, 41(2), 132-152. https://doi.org/10.1080/1051144X.2022.2053820

Mirauda, D., Capece, N., & Erra, U. (2019). StreamflowVL: A virtual fieldwork laboratory that supports traditional hydraulics engineering learning. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 9(22), Article 4972. https://doi.org/10.3390/APP9224972

Mohamed, O., Bitar, Z., Abu-Sultaneh, A., & Elhaija, W. A. (2021). A simplified virtual power system lab for distance learning and ABET accredited education systems. International Journal of Electrical Engineering Education, 60(4), 397-426. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020720921997064

Mursitama, T. N., Christabel, H., Prawira, I., Noerlina, Sitepu, E., & Basaria, F. T. (2023). Practical Study of Digital Learning and Virtual Laboratory in Post-Pandemic Era. E3S Web of Conferences, 388. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202338804012

Nicola, S., Pinto, C., & Mendonça, J. (2018, 27-29 June 2018). The role of education on the acquisition of 21st century soft skills by Engineering students. 2018 3rd International Conference of the Portuguese Society for Engineering Education (CISPEE),

Nolen, S. B., & Koretsky, M. D. (2018). Affordances of Virtual and Physical Laboratory Projects for Instructional Design: Impacts on Student Engagement. IEEE Transactions on Education, 61(3), 226-233, Article 8269365. https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2018.2791445

Okoli, C., & Schabram, K. (2010). A Guide to Conducting a Systematic Literature Review of Information Systems Research. SSRN Electronic Journal, 10. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1954824

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., . . . Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Panasiuk, O., Akimova, L., Kuznietsova, O., & Panasiuk, I. (2021, 15-17 September 2021). Virtual Laboratories for Engineering Education. 2021 11th International Conference on Advanced Computer Information Technologies (ACIT), Germany.

Pandey, A. S., Kalkhambkar, V., Kumbhar, S., Nathgosavi, K., & Sujil, A. (2022). Virtual Lab Development to Enhance Student Learning: A Quality Circle Approach. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 36(Special Issue 2), 269-276. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2023/v36is2/23039

Papaconstantinou, M., Kilkenny, D., Garside, C., Ju, W., Najafi, H., & Harrison, L. (2021). Virtual Lab Integration in Undergraduate Courses: Insights from Course Design and Implementation. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 46(3). https://doi.org/10.21432/cjlt27853

Potkonjak, V., Gardner, M., Callaghan, V., Mattila, P., Guetl, C., Petrović, V. M., & Jovanović, K. (2016). Virtual laboratories for education in science, technology, and engineering: A review. Computers & Education, 95, 309-327. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.02.002

Purwaningtyas, D. A., Prabowo, H., Napitupulu, T. A., & Purwandari, B. (2022). THE INTEGRATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY AND VIRTUAL LABORATORY BASED ON THE 5E MODEL AND VARK ASSESSMENT: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 11(3), 449-460. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v11i3.36367

Ramirez, J., Tellez, S., & Rivera, S. (2021). Implementing virtual laboratories: Remote teaching of electrical machines. Revista Internacional de Metodos Numericos para Calculo y Diseno en Ingenieria, 37(4), Article 43. https://doi.org/10.23967/j.rimni.2021.10.002

Reeves, S. M., & Crippen, K. J. (2021). Virtual Laboratories in Undergraduate Science and Engineering Courses: a Systematic Review, 2009–2019. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 30(1), 16-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-020-09866-0

Robinson, P., & Lowe, J. (2015). Literature reviews vs systematic reviews. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 39(2), 103-103. https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12393

Salmerón-Manzano, E., & Manzano-Agugliaro, F. (2018). The higher education sustainability through virtual laboratories: The Spanish University as case of study. Sustainability (Switzerland), 10(11), 4040-4062, Article 4040. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114040

Saltanat, A., Kaldykul, S., Zaure, K., Saniya, K., Gulbanu, U., Karas, K., & Bagdat, B. (2022). Opinions of University Students on Technology Literacy. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy (iJEP), 12(2), pp. 141-154. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v12i2.29341

Salzinger, J., Kurniawati, I., Abrahamczyk, L., & Höffer, R. (2023). Thinking outside the box - Virtual, intercultural labs in engineering education. 9th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'23),

Samala, A. D., Usmeldi, Taali, Ambiyar, Bojic, L., Indarta, Y., . . . Dewi, I. P. (2023). Metaverse Technologies in Education: A Systematic Literature Review Using PRISMA. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 18(05), pp. 231-252. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i05.35501

Santamaría-Buitrago, F. A., Ballesteros-Ricaurte, J. A., & González-Amarillo, Á. M. (2019). Ecosystem for the deployment and management of virtual laboratories based on the standard IMS LTI. Revista Facultad de Ingeniería, 28(53), 79-99. https://doi.org/10.19053/01211129.v28.n53.2019.10148

Sapriati, A., Suhandoko, A. D., Yundayani, A., Karim, R. A., Kusmawan, U., Mohd Adnan, A. H., & Suhandoko, A. A. (2023). The Effect of Virtual Laboratories on Improving Students’ SRL: An Umbrella Systematic Review. Education Sciences, 13(3). https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/education/education-13-00222/article_deploy/education-13-00222-v2.pdf?version=1677641298

Sasongko, W. D., & Widiastuti, I. (2019). Virtual lab for vocational education in Indonesia: A review of the literature. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2194(1), 020113. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5139845

Schnieder, M., Williams, S., & Ghosh, S. (2022). Comparison of In-Person and Virtual Labs/Tutorials for Engineering Students Using Blended Learning Principles. Education Sciences, 12(3). https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/education/education-12-00153/article_deploy/education-12-00153.pdf?version=1645607420

Seifan, M., Robertson, N., & Berenjian, A. (2020). Use of virtual learning to increase key laboratory skills and essential non-cognitive characteristics. Education for Chemical Engineers, 33, 66-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2020.07.006

Solak, S., Yakut, O., & Bolat, E. D. (2020). Design and implementation ofweb-based virtual mobile robot laboratory for engineering education. Symmetry, 12(6), Article 906. https://doi.org/10.3390/SYM12060906

Szávuly, M. I., Tóos, Á., Barabás, R., & Szilágyi, B. (2019). From modeling to virtual laboratory development of a continuous binary distillation column for engineering education using MATLAB and LabVIEW. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 27(5), 1019-1029. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22119

Tejado, I., González, I., Pérez, E., & Merchán, P. (2021). Introducing systems theory with virtual laboratories at the University of Extremadura: How to improve learning in the lab in engineering degrees. International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Education, 58(4), 874-899. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020720919876815

Vergara, D., Fernández-Arias, P., Extremera, J., Dávila, L. P., & Rubio, M. P. (2022). Educational trends post COVID-19 in engineering: Virtual laboratories. Materials Today: Proceedings, 49, 155-160. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.07.494

Wolf, T. (2010). Assessing Student Learning in a Virtual Laboratory Environment. IEEE Transactions on Education, 53(2), 216-222. https://doi.org/10.1109/te.2008.2012114

Yalcin, N. A., & Vatansever, F. (2015). A web‐based virtual power electronics laboratory. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 24(1), 71-78. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.21673

Yang, W., Yuan, N., Chinthammit, W., & Kang, B. (2019). A distributed case- and project-based learning to design 3D lab on electronic engineering education. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 27(2), 430-451. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22087

Zhang, Y., Mao, P., Li, H., Xu, Y., You, D., Liu, H., . . . Yuan, J. (2020). Assessing the Safety Risks of Civil Engineering Laboratories Based on Lab Criticity Index: A Case Study in Jiangsu Province. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 17(17), 6244-6268. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176244

Zhao, Y., Flanagan, E., Abbasi, H., Black, K., Wang, X., & Cardona, A. (2019). Development of a Virtual Lab in Assistance of a Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Instruction. Volume 5: Engineering Education, https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2019-10540

Zhu, H., Yang, Z., Xiong, Y., Wang, Y., & Kang, L. (2018). Virtual emulation laboratories for teaching offshore oil and gas engineering. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 26(5), 1603-1613. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.21977