VISIR's usage as an educational resource

Abstract

Laboratory experiments are one of the backbones of engineering teaching, as they help students learning in a unique way, providing better understanding of scientific theories, clarifying concepts and principles as well as improving their technical skills. Nevertheless, with the Bologna Process reforms and the economic constraints most Higher Education Institutions face nowadays, caused a significant decline in the amount of time devoted to hands-on lab. Researchers are seeking complementary ways to teach these practical skills and recently, with the explosive popularity of computer-based learning, remote labs are being used as an option. This review paper presents a first attempt to compile empirical studies that directly report the use of the remote laboratory VISIR (Virtual Instrument Systems in Reality). These practices of engineering classes/courses, used VISIR individually or as a complement to traditional hands on laboratory. Concerning these different approaches of how VISIR is used, the authors draw several conclusions -findings suggest that VISIR is a useful learning instrument, having been used, so far, by more than 4400 students. It contributes to improve students' competences and knowledge, their confidence in lab and their enthusiasm and motivation. Some factors, such as teacher's supervision and attention to the VISIR component play a crucial role in students' engagement. Finally, the results achieved through this review raise several important and still non-studied issues to be addressed by future research.

An impact of simulation labs on engineering students' academic performance: a critical Investigation

“…The simulation lab was developed and structured in such a manner that the understanding and applying of conceptual knowledge in real time environment was eased by testing the concept before applying in the real environment (Heradio et al , 2016). The simulation lab is integrated with instruction to make sure that the student learning enhancement happens through information simulation and reinforced simulations (Lima et al , 2016; Nandana and de Mel, 2016). The industry practice and simulations are integrated through experience simulation.…”

Using a 3-Tier Training Model for Effective Exchange of Good Practices in an Erasmus+ Project

“…The Virtual Instruments Systems in Reality (VISIR) is a remote laboratory for conducting real experiments, at distance, with electrical and electronic circuits. It was originally developed by the Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Sweden, in 1999, under the mentorship of Ingvar Gustavsson, and since then it has been installed at and used by several Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in Europe, namely in Austria, Portugal and Spain [1]- [10]. These two last mentioned countries have strong academic cooperation links with Latin American (LA) countries, which continuously favour the exchange of good practices among HEIs and its staff members.…”