LaboRem: open lab for remote work

Abstract

The advances in communication networks together with the improvement of device interconnectivity and web technology make it possible nowadays to develop distant e-learning applications that encompass the entire learning process : not only lectures, tutorials and simulations, but also practical labwork on real or virtual instruments. Pros and cons of e-labs are listed in the literature, based on comparative studies between the three types of laboratories: hands-on, virtual and remote. In this paper, we present an open client-server architecture for remote instrumentation within a virtual lab. It is based on a plugin technique for sharing technical resources (i.e. connection of new available experiments). We describe a prototype implementation for labwork at undergraduate level in signal processing, circuit measurement and system testing. Our contribution is twofold: a) a template plug-in technique, making it easy for tutors to design and insert new experiments within the lab framework (flexibility and extensibility); b) the use of a game-like pedagogical approach: the distant labwork is implemented as a game sequence with various steps. Finally, this project is intended for being used by foreign universities that do not have at disposal all the expensive equipment required for measurement and testing, but only have access to the network. We hope this will contribute to the "democracy of knowledge".

Educational Digital Games integrated into Remote Labs: systematic and mapping reviews

“…(Guenaga et al, 2014) [C] In the Validation Research group, two institutions were highlighted during the survey (Table 7). Luthon et al (Luthon & Larroque, 2015a), (Luthon, Petre, Steriu, & Besleaga, 2009), (Luthon & Larroque, 2015b), from the University of Pau, described in three papers researches made during 2009 to 2015 using LaboREM (Remote Laboratory) platform. LaboREM is a robot arm developed for training in electronics, including signal, circuits and system testing.…”

“…Student Motivation (Luthon et al, 2009) [D] The last phase of the systematic mapping review include the creation of a plot based on the papers found. Associating groups trend researches topics with the contributions facet we produced the mapping plot (Fig.…”

Remote laboratory for game-based distance learning in electronics

“…All the scenario is managed by the LMS. The game-like scenario conceived to boost student motivation (Luthon et al 2009) is based on 4 concepts as in e-games: levels, lives, points, and time. Four counters are used for evaluating student's activity: a timer, a counter for highest level achieved (difficulty level), a counter for number of lives used (number of trials), a counter for scoring (marks obtained to online quizzes and final exam).…”

Desenvolvimento de Laboratório Remoto Utilizando Módulo Didático para Ensino de Microcontroladores

“…Portanto, desenvolver metodologias de ensino a distância que apresentem uma experiência mais "handson" com laboratórios virtuais, continua sendo um desafio [Eppes and Schuyler, 2004]. Devido a fatores desfavoráveis como custo, espaço e tempo, referentes ao ensino em laboratório presencial [Luthon et al, 2009], soluções alternativas para a introdução de laboratórios remotos mais "reais" continuam sendo um assunto discutido na literatura.…”

“…O LaboRem [Luthon et al, 2009] é uma arquitetura de instrumentação remota de um laboratório virtual para estudantes de graduação cursando matérias que abordam processamento de sinais, depuração de circuitos e testes de sistemas. Esse sistema tem uma abordagem mais voltada aos jogos educacionais, tornando o ensino mais didático.…”