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.{{cite book|last=G. Tzafestas|first=Spyros|title=Web-based control and robotics education|year=2009|publisher=Springer|location=Dordrect|isbn=978-1-61350-186-3|url=https://www.springer.com/engineering/robotics/book/978-90-481-2504-3}}{{cite web |url= http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar/bitstream/handle/10915/24344/Documento_completo.pdf?sequence=1 |title= Remote Lab Experiments: Opening Possibilities for Distance Learning in Engineering Fields|first1=C.|last1=Thomsen|author2=H. Scheel |author3=S. Morgner |access-date=14 May 2013}} One or more remote experiments are accessible in remote laboratory.{{cite journal|last=Kozil|first=Tomaš|author2=Marek Šimon |title=Preparing and managing the remote experiment in education|journal=15th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL)|date=September 2012}} Callaghan, Harkin, Maguire (2007). "Paradigms in Remote Experimentation", International Journal of Online Engineering (iJOE), Vol 3, No 4 (2007)[http://online-journals.org/i-joe/article/view/468]
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.{{cite web |url=http://www.lila-project.org/resources/Documents/files/Annex3-A_Rig_Booking_System_for_online_laboratories.pdf|title= A Rig Booking System for On-Line Laboratories|first1=Alberto|last1=Gallardo|author2=Thomas Richter |author3=Peter Debicki |author4=Luis Bellido |author5=Verónica Mateos |author6=Víctor Villagrá |date= April 2011|access-date=15 May 2013}} User operates remote experiment via graphical user interface. Remote experiments are positively evaluated by the learners.{{cite web |url= http://www.isprs.org/proceedings/XXXVI/6-W30/Paper/eLearnWS_Potsdam2005_Thomsen.pdf |title= Remote experiments in experimental physics|first1=Oriel A.|last1=Herrera|author2=Gustavo R. Alves |author3=David Fuller |author4=Roberto G. Aldunate |access-date=14 May 2013}}
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;{{cite journal |url= http://www.lila-project.org/resources/Documents/files/Khachadorian_scheel_Vries_thomsen.pdf|first1=Sevak|last1=Khachadorian|author2=Harald Scheel |author3=Pieter de Vries |author4=Christian Thomsen |title=A practical approach for managing online remote experiments|journal=European Journal of Engineering Education|date=October 2008|pages=1–14|access-date=15 May 2013}}
- 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
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