# Design and Research of a Virtual Laboratory for Coding Theory
###### Abstract  
This article examines the process of creating and researching a virtual laboratory for training students in coding theory. General information about the virtual laboratories is presented. A methodology for conducting comprehensive scientific research is presented, as well as a specialized method for designing and developing the virtual laboratory, including the system's architecture. The article also presents brief information about the developed system. The results of the experimental research, including a pedagogical experiment aimed at evaluating the influence of the virtual laboratory on the students' success rate, as well as an analysis of the statistical data on their activity, are discussed in detail. In addition, a survey was conducted to assess the satisfaction of students with the use of the laboratory. virtual laboratory; coding theory; interactive models; education +
Footnote †: journal: Applied sciences  
0000-0002-4000-0000-0000-0000-0000-00000-00000-0000-00000-00000-0000-00000-00000-00000-00000-00000-00000-00000-000000-00000-00000-0000  
the same result of the experiment when operating the equipment in real conditions. This effect can be reduced to some extent by using high-quality 3D models of the equipment. Another drawback arises from the fact that the virtual environment is similar to video games, and students develop a tendency to perceive the virtual experiment as a game; therefore, they do not understand the seriousness of the experiment being studied. In remote labs, students are less likely to cause damage and cannot get hurt when they make mistakes because all controlled components have limits predetermined and checked by the software environment. These labs do not require the same level of discipline and caution that is needed to conduct the experiment in a traditional lab in a safe manner [12]. The implementation of the virtual laboratory is associated with lower costs since no real expensive equipment is used. Virtual lab hardware does not age or wear out as much as real equipment does, resulting in lower maintenance costs. It is also significantly cheaper to develop a new experiment, as there is no need to purchase new equipment. Virtual laboratories allow conducting a variety of virtual (simulation) experiments involving various components (virtual apparatus), including dangerous experiments [14]. Some laboratory experiments are dangerous; therefore, a teacher must be present in the laboratory, and the necessary theoretical knowledge of the student must be tested before starting [13]. Another advantage of virtual laboratories is the possibility of conducting experiments that are difficult to implement in real conditions. In a virtual laboratory, students can safely conduct experiments by simulating extreme conditions. For example, changes to the system configuration can be made and various system parameters can be modified. Such changes in most cases cannot be made with the actual equipment. Virtual laboratories provide an opportunity to learn from mistakes, as they provide opportunities for various tests and experiments that cannot be tested with real equipment [12]. Various examples of virtual laboratories for studying coding theory can be cited. In the research by [15], a Java-based virtual laboratory for data communication simulation is presented. The authors conclude that it is useful to facilitate the understanding of students taking courses in Communication Systems. A remotely accessible laboratory for error-controlled coding techniques with the LabVIEW software is presented in [16]. Students connect to the laboratory site and can perform different experiments and also access theoretical information. In the study by [17], students were formed into two groups (control and experimental groups) to evaluate the success of the virtual laboratory for digital electronics. The students in the experimental group used the developed virtual laboratory, while the students in the control group did not use it. The comparison process was carried out based on 10 different criteria.