Arab Educational Information Network

This study followed the case study method in qualitative research to know the deep obstacles behind the lack of activation of using the virtual laboratories in secondary schools in Riyadh in chemistry subject, and to draw the obstacles to deal with them. The sample was selected purposely (snowballing) by using open interviews with (6) laboratory supervisors in school equipment management, (3) teachers, (2) laborers and a former official in the department of educational technology to be familiar with the ways to solve the obstacles from several levels in the field. The search results were answered the subsidiary questions of the main question: what are the obstacles activating the virtual laboratories usage in teaching chemistry in high school? What are the ways to facilitate? The results were in technical, administrative obstacles and obstacles in the training of teachers. Also, the research described the direction of participants' awareness about the virtual laboratory. Then, it has been a model for ways to overcome these obstacles. The study recommended to promote research in the field of laboratory techniques and to consider administrative regulations on school equipment. Also, it is necessity to customize the training for the science teachers, and to place the skills of the laboratory techniques in science teacher skills. (Published abstract)