# Design and Research of a Virtual Laboratory for Coding Theory
## 2 Materials and Methods  
For the research and creation of a coding theory virtual laboratory, an appropriate methodology is Action Research, introduced by [PERSON] and [PERSON] in the 1940s [18]. This methodology is often used in the field of education [19; 20] and allows not only to analyze and evaluate the effects of the implementation of the virtual laboratory on the success of students but also to make practical changes in real time, based on continuous feedback from the participants [21]. Figure 1 shows the scientific methodology used in the study, which consists of 5 stages.  
* Stage 1. Problem Identification and Planning.
* Problem Identification. The research problem originates from the need to improve students' practical skills and understanding, as well as to overcome the lack of motivation in using the traditional written teaching method by implementing intuitive interactive software models for solving coding theory tasks. Another good reason for the creation of such a system is the need to provide a tool for working in the conditions of distance learning, as was the situation with COVID-19 [22].
* Formulating the Goal. The purpose of the research is to create and examine the impact of using a coding theory virtual lab on student achievement and engagement.
Action Planning. For the purpose of the research, two groups of students will be formed: the control group (the students in this group solve the tasks according to the traditional written method) and the experimental group (the students in this group solve the tasks using the tools of a virtual laboratory). During the study, data will be collected from control works (tests) [23].
* Stage 2. Action.
* Design and Creation of a Coding Theory Virtual Laboratory. This action will be discussed in _detail_ in point _2.1. Methodology for designing and implementing a virtual laboratory on coding theory_.
* Implementation of the Virtual Laboratory. Students in the experimental group will use the virtual lab to study different _coding_ theory codes over several semesters. The lab will include a variety of interactive tasks, simulations, and tests.
* Training and Preparation. Short _training_ sessions will be held with both students and teachers to familiarize them with the functionalities of the virtual laboratory.
* Stage 3. Monitoring and Data Collection.
* Observation. This includes monitoring students' participation in the virtual lab, the degree of completion of the tasks, and students' engagement with the material, as well as conducting regular tests to measure student progress.
* Data Collection. This includes assessments from tests, a survey, and data from the statistical modules of the virtual lab on student engagement.
* Stage 4. Analysis of Results (Data Analysis).
* Data Analysis. A comparison of scores (grades) between the two groups will be conducted to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in student achievement. This will be presented in detail in Section 3.2. An analysis of the results of the student opinion survey will also be carried out to determine their perceptions and satisfaction with the use of the virtual laboratory. Data from the virtual lab statics modules will also be analyzed to determine the impact on student engagement and learning of the material.
* Stage 5. Planning the Next Cycle and Implementing Changes.
* Corrections and Improvements. Based on the obtained results, observations, and feedback, it is considered whether to make any adjustments (e.g., improvements in the interface, adding new functionalities and tasks).
* Sharing the Results. Documenting and sharing results with other faculty teachers and institutions, as well as the publication of scientific papers or articles, through which the results of the use of a virtual laboratory in a learning process are provided.  
Figure 1: Research methodology.