Are Remote Labs Worth the Cost? Insights From a Study of Student Perceptions of Remote Labs

Authors

  • Kemi Jona Northwestern University
  • Ricarose Roque Northwestern University
  • Julia Skolnik Northwestern University
  • David Uttal Northwestern University
  • David Rapp Northwestern University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v7i2.1394

Keywords:

Education, Design, Remote Online Laboratories, Simulations

Abstract


Remote online laboratories enable students to conduct scientific investigations using real experimental equipment. However, scaling up remote labs may require significant costs in purchasing and maintaining expensive equipment compared to scaling simulated labs. While these costs are a consequence of using physical equipment, we argue that there are unique educational advantages to remote labs. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study of student perceptions of a remote lab in comparison to an identical lab experience with simulated data. The findings reveal several intriguing themes that highlight the pedagogical value of remote laboratories. In addition, we provide recommendations for the design and pedagogy of online laboratory experiences based on our findings.

Author Biographies

Kemi Jona, Northwestern University

Director of the Office of STEM Education Partnerships and Associate Professor of Learning Science and Computer Science at Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy and McCormick School of Engineering

Ricarose Roque, Northwestern University

Software Developer at Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy

Julia Skolnik, Northwestern University

Curriculum Developer at Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy

David Uttal, Northwestern University

Professor of Psychology and Education at Northwestern University, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education and Social Policy

David Rapp, Northwestern University

Associate Professor of Learning Sciences and Pyschology at Northwestern University, School of Education and Social Policy, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

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Published

2011-05-06

How to Cite

Jona, K., Roque, R., Skolnik, J., Uttal, D., & Rapp, D. (2011). Are Remote Labs Worth the Cost? Insights From a Study of Student Perceptions of Remote Labs. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 7(2), pp. 48–53. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v7i2.1394

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2011)

Section

Short Papers