Remote experiment
A remote experiment is a real experiment with real laboratory instruments and equipment that can be controlled by a computer through the internet.[1][2] One or more remote experiments are accessible in remote laboratory.[3] [4]
Remotely controlled experiments have become a widespread tool for teaching physics at the university level of education. When executing remote experiments the remote users can change system parameters, observe results in graphical form and/or by video transmission from webcam, and download the experimental results. Sometimes a booking system is available for remote experiments that allows the users to book time for access of remote experiment in advance.[5] User operates remote experiment via graphical user interface. Remote experiments are positively evaluated by the learners.[6]
Advantages of remote experiments
When compared to simulations in virtual laboratories and to experiments in the traditional laboratories, remotely controlled experiments have following advantages:
- remote experiments can be carried out from anywhere in the world;
- no time restriction since experiments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- overcoming problems with limited laboratory capacity for numerous students;[7]
- safe and secure operation of equipment without danger of user's injury;
- remote experiments can be shared between education institutions as for example in labshare initiative.
Users of remote experiments
Remote experiments are a powerful technology which can be implemented in distance education to provide the learner hands-on experience. Remote experiments can be especially valuable for some groups of users:
- learners with physical disabilities, who cannot intend traditional laboratory exercises;
- part-time students, who cannot intend traditional laboratory exercises;
- learners who are undergoing continued education (Lifelong learning) and have to integrate learning activities into their everyday schedule.
References
- G. Tzafestas, Spyros (2009). Web-based control and robotics education. Dordrect: Springer. ISBN 978-1-61350-186-3.
- Thomsen, C.; H. Scheel; S. Morgner. "Remote Lab Experiments: Opening Possibilities for Distance Learning in Engineering Fields" (PDF). Retrieved 14 May 2013.
- Kozil, Tomaš; Marek Šimon (September 2012). "Preparing and managing the remote experiment in education". 15th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL).
- Callaghan, Harkin, Maguire (2007). "Paradigms in Remote Experimentation", International Journal of Online Engineering (iJOE), Vol 3, No 4 (2007)
- Gallardo, Alberto; Thomas Richter; Peter Debicki; Luis Bellido; Verónica Mateos; Víctor Villagrá (April 2011). "A Rig Booking System for On-Line Laboratories" (PDF). Retrieved 15 May 2013.
- Herrera, Oriel A.; Gustavo R. Alves; David Fuller; Roberto G. Aldunate. "Remote experiments in experimental physics" (PDF). Retrieved 14 May 2013.
- Khachadorian, Sevak; Harald Scheel; Pieter de Vries; Christian Thomsen (October 2008). "A practical approach for managing online remote experiments" (PDF). European Journal of Engineering Education: 1–14. Retrieved 15 May 2013.