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New possibilities using a traditional laboratory featuring a remote control option. Sparbanksstiftelsen Kronan. Ingvar Gustavsson, ingvar.gustavsson@bth.se Dept. of Signal Processing, School of Engineering Blekinge Institute of Technology, BTH.
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New possibilities using a traditional laboratory featuring a remote control option Sparbanksstiftelsen Kronan Ingvar Gustavsson, ingvar.gustavsson@bth.se Dept. of Signal Processing, School of Engineering Blekinge Institute of Technology, BTH 4th CeTUSS workshop December 4 – 5, 2006, Uppsala
The BTH Open Laboratory concept • Add a remote control option to a traditional instructional laboratory – starting with an electronics lab • Create a virtual interface enabling students to recognize on their own computer screen the desktop instruments and the breadboard
The open electronics laboratory at BTH Web Server Client PC Demonstrations Opamp Resistance Equipment Server at BTH Client PC • The address of the laboratory web site is: http://distanslabserver.its.bth.se
Possibilities • Complement and supplement to local lab sessions • Compensate for the reduction in the number of lab sessions • Existing course material can be used • New cost-effective methods for assessment of laboratory work
What is a physical experiment? • Is a physical experiment a sort of dialogue with nature? • where the student uses his or her body (mainly the hands and senses) to act and to observe • In most cases instruments and other devices are required to reinforce human abilities
Why physical experiments? • Laboratory science courses can be described as necessary for the student to see how science is made • While there seems to be general agreement that laboratories are necessary, little has been said about what they are expected to accomplish
Why learn to be an experimenter? • To study limitations in current mathematical models • To verify that ideas and prototypes will work in the real world
Examples of learning objectives • You will be able to • Devise an experimental approach, specify appropriate equipment and procedures • Apply appropriate sensors, instrumentation to measure physical quantities etc. • Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data, and to perform and support conclusions • Identify the strengths and limitations of theoretical models as predictors of real-world behaviors
Evaluation is next • A flexible tool is ready for evaluation • Learning objectives are being defined
The VISIR project (Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality) • A VISIR consortium led by BTH is being formed • Universities, other teaching organizations, and equipment vendors are invited to join • The first goal is an international standard for electronics laboratories based on open source technologies
Vision The ultimate goal for the research is ubiquitous physical experimental resources accessible 24/7 for everyone to inspire and encourage children, young people and others to study engineering and to be used as means for long life learning of teachers and other professionals