Smart University Collaborative Ecosystem: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of the MineLab360 Immersive Virtual Laboratory in Science Teacher Education Programme

The rapid digital transformation of higher education has accelerated the emergence of Smart Universities that integrate digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), immersive learning environments, and collaborative ecosystems to enhance teaching and learning. In STEM teacher education, laboratory experiences play a crucial role in developing conceptual understanding, inquiry skills, and safety awareness. However, traditional laboratory environments often face constraints related to limited equipment, safety risks, and restricted access to experimental resources. To address these challenges, immersive virtual laboratory environments have been proposed as an alternative approach to facilitate experiential learning in science education.This study evaluates the effectiveness of MineLab360, an immersive virtual laboratory ecosystem developed using Minecraft Education Edition and supported by AI-enabled learning feedback systems. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was employed to investigate the impact of MineLab360 on conceptual understanding, laboratory safety awareness, and student engagement among STEM teacher trainees. Participants consisted of sixty undergraduate students enrolled in a Chemistry Laboratory Teaching Methods course at Universiti Teknologi MARA. The experimental group participated in laboratory activities using MineLab360, while the control group followed conventional laboratory instruction.Results indicate that students who engaged in MineLab360 demonstrated significantly higher gains in conceptual understanding and laboratory safety awareness compared with those in the traditional laboratory setting. The immersive environment also enhanced student engagement and collaborative problem-solving skills. The findings suggest that integrating immersive game-based virtual laboratories within a Smart University ecosystem can enhance digital pedagogy and prepare future educators with competencies required for technology-enhanced STEM education. The study contributes to the growing body of research on immersive learning environments and proposes MineLab360 as a scalable model for Smart University learning ecosystems.