Amrita Virtual Lab vs Inq-ITS

Amrita Virtual Lab provides browser-based laboratories and learning materials for distance education and experimentation. Learners can use simulations, interactive animations, and remotely triggered experiments, alongside web resources, video lectures, and animated demonstrations. The project says it has built 1,500 experiments, with procedures, lab manuals, quizzes, and other supporting resources; the platform also offers on-the-spot assessment. Subject areas range across computer science, engineering, biotechnology and biomedical engineering, and physical and chemical sciences. Examples include neurophysiology simulations, physics tools such as a DC circuit simulator and virtual optics, and a wireless sensor network lab. Teachers can monitor student progress and adjust instructional material, and the platform includes experiment authoring and LMS integration. Labs are hosted for open access through the project websites. The team offers free online and offline classes for students and faculty at nodal centres. The Free access plan is listed at free under the Nodal Centre Program, with no registration fee for that program. Participating institutions must choose at least three experiments and have at least 300 students using the labs.

Inq-ITS is an online science learning environment with NGSS-aligned virtual labs, automated assessment, and teacher reporting. Its collection contains more than 150 investigations in which students design and conduct science inquiries. Rex, an AI virtual tutor, gives feedback during lab work, and real-time science tutoring is available in English and Spanish. Teachers receive alerts about students who need help and the skills involved, along with classroom and student performance reports. Patented algorithms automatically assess student work and produce performance reports. Google sign-in, Google Classroom, and Clever support access and class organization; Google Classroom also lets teachers post assigned labs. The service runs in a browser on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, and Android devices. Full functionality requires stable internet, cookies, JavaScript, and WebSockets. Teacher registration provides full access, with the trial ending 30 days after students begin using assigned labs. Free digital labs are also described for practicing science investigation skills. School and district plans are tiered by student count, and pricing is available on request.