Supporting Remote Laboratory Activities at an Institutional Level

Authors

  • Alexander A. Kist University of Southern Queensland
  • Peter Gibbings University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba
  • Andrew D. Maxwell University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba
  • Hannah Jolly University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v9iS5.2772

Keywords:

Remote Access Laboratory, Remote Laboratory, practical learning activities, learning system

Abstract


Learning Tools that rely on information and communication technologies form an essential part of distance education. Remote Access Laboratories (RAL) is one example that has been widely discussed in the research community; in particular, in the context of engineering and science education. However, remote laboratory technology is not widely used. This study explores whether the benefits offered by the RAL systems can be extended to students in other disciplines and how this process can be supported. The key aim of this activity is to create more equitable opportunities for student learning across faculties and the university. The study identifies considerations for the wider adoption, implementation and uptake of remote laboratory based learning activities. Four learning activities at various stages of the development cycle in three different disciplines are evaluated using a program logic methodology. Evaluation questions address the areas of appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. It is concluded that remote laboratory are open and flexible enough to suite a variety of learning objectives and pedagogies in a number of contexts. This study also highlights some wider issues that are significant to the acceptance of RAL learning activities. Findings include that a number of conditions need to be met if remote laboratory activities are to occur more broadly across universities as learning systems.

Author Biography

Alexander A. Kist, University of Southern Queensland

Faculty of Engineering and Surveying Senior Lecturer (Telecommunications)

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Published

2013-05-27

How to Cite

Kist, A. A., Gibbings, P., Maxwell, A. D., & Jolly, H. (2013). Supporting Remote Laboratory Activities at an Institutional Level. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 9(S5), pp. 38–47. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v9iS5.2772

Issue

Section

Special Focus Papers