Virtual laboratories (Virtual Labs) are simulators of a real environment that allow the student to carry out experiments in different areas of knowledge, reproducing in a very similar way to the practices carried out in a traditional physical laboratory, just by having a computer with Internet access. In this tool, the student can learn all the concepts of practical classes of a given subject using a modern language. Since they're digital and dynamic, it is aligned with the “language” that students are used to. This factor provides better engagement in activities, facilitates the absorption of content and allows real interactions in appropriate environments for students with different learning styles and levels.
The Virtual Labs consists of guided practices, associated with the educational institution's pedagogical plan. They address three basic goals of laboratory practice: conceptual/cognitive, attitudinal, and procedural goals. The Virtual Labs integrates differentiated teaching techniques thanks to the visual and interactive strategies present and serves as a complementary tool in theoretical and practical classes, facilitating the understanding of the subjects covered and minimizing risks. For this reason, simulations allow the use of hazardous substances. Students are able to choose reagents and materials, also it is possible for them to make real-time decisions, offering a learning environment that in many cases would be difficult due to safety, cost or time dedicated to each investigation.
The seminar has two main objectives: (1) to present the benefits of using virtual laboratories as a pedagogical and technological solution for a modern and quality higher education and (2) to share the experience of ALGETEC, a Brazilian Edtech that started as a garage startup and in just 10 years became the company with the largest number of virtual laboratories in the world (+600) impacting more than 500 thousand students in Latin America, United States and Africa.
Event Recording
About the Speakers
Prof. Vinicius Do Rego Dias
Graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). Postgraduate in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) and in Control and Automation from Faculdade Senai Cimatec. Professor at the Federal University of Bahia and Catholic University of Salvador. CEO and partner of the ALGETEC - Technological Solutions in Education. He has experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering and Innovation Management, with an emphasis on the development of innovative products.
Prof. Héctor Huanay Escobar
Graduated in Business Administration, Master in Science and Technology Policy and PhD candidate in Economics at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) - Brazil. He completed his Sandwich Doctorate at CIRAD/France and participated in different programs related to innovation in higher education at institutions such as LASPAU/Harvard University, Center for Education Studies/Warwick University and Innovation Academy/Trinity College Dublin. Visiting Professor at CALA (German-Latin American Management Course) at the Fachhochschule Münster University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
He has 25 years of experience in the educational sector, having worked as a professor and management positions in Universities, holding the positions of President, Executive Vice-President of Finance and Dean. He led the implementation of some innovative projects such as the launch of an undergraduate course in Technology for Digital Business in partnership with IBM and the creation of an Advisory Board of Entrepreneurs and Executives with directors from Ambev, Abbott, Google, IBM and Santander Bank. He is a professor in MBA programs, an educational consultant and leads the internationalization process of ALGETEC, a company owned by + A Educação.