Integrating physical and virtual environments in laboratory-based technical education can manifest in various ways. However, how to effectively connect the real and digital spaces within laboratory education remains to be determined. It is essential to explore how these two areas can complement each other to enhance learning processes and improve accessibility. Combining digital tools, virtual simulations, and traditional lab experiences is crucial for effectively bridging the knowledge gap and showcasing various approaches. Factors contributing to this gap may include the specific discipline, the availability of resources, and the extent to which digital technologies are incorporated into the curriculum. Understanding how technological advances have affected education across various fields, including technical education, is crucial. Physical laboratories offer students hands-on experience with equipment and tools, enabling them to develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. In contrast, virtual simulations can enhance physical lab experiences by providing accessibility, flexibility, and adaptability. The effectiveness of this method can be heightened by integrating both approaches rather than committing to one exclusively. It is essential to identify the limitations and challenges associated with traditional laboratory setups, including limited resources, safety concerns, accessibility issues, and the inability to replicate complex or hazardous experiments. Introducing virtual laboratories alongside traditional methods could effectively address these limitations. Digital simulations, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) can create immersive learning environments that closely resemble real-world situations. The advantages of virtual laboratories include scalability, cost-effectiveness, safety, accessibility, and the ability to simulate complex and dynamic systems. Virtual laboratories should complement traditional hands-on experiences rather than completely replace them, facilitating a more efficient use of time in physical laboratory work. Utilizing various spaces in distinct ways can enhance both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The former provides quick feedback and social support, while the latter fosters reflection and promotes more profound understanding. To create a blended learning environment, exploring strategies for integrating physical and virtual laboratory experiences and developing student guidelines on platforms like Moodle or Canvas is essential. Analytical methods can enhance teaching opportunities by automating the collection of extensive information about students, which can be used to personalize learning. This allows students to transition seamlessly between hands-on experiments and virtual simulations, taking advantage of both approaches. Ultimately, our main objective is to demonstrate how integrating virtual and physical elements into laboratory education can better prepare students for various real-world scenarios they will encounter in their careers. Students can practice troubleshooting, experiment design, and data analysis in simulated environments before entering the workforce. Combining laboratory-based technical education with virtual tools creates a dynamic learning environment integrating hands-on experience with digital innovation. This combination enhances skill development and equips learners with the demands of a technology-driven world.

Keywords: Virtual labs, hybrid learning, digital integration, education technology, innovative teaching.