Education in power electronics based on remote resources: Three approaches and lessons learned

This paper summarizes development and implementation of innovative education approach based on remote education resources. The main field of concern is power electronics. Presented results are based on three representative education initiatives running in succession since year 2007. First initiative is EDIPE project (E-learning Distance Interactive Practical Education), year 2007. The remote education resources were developed by eleven European universities for the use in regular education. The innovative element was remote laboratory which comprehends a number of experiments from power electronic and motion control. Next initiative is E-PRAGMATIC (E-Learning and Practical Training of Mechatronics and Alternative Technologies in Industrial Community), year 2010. It addresses another target group of learners, professionals from industry. An innovative integral approach for distance industrial education was developed that includes: education strategy, learning management system, and multimedia, interactive e-materials with integrated remote laboratories. The goal of third, the newest initiative SustEner (Teaching Energy for Sustainable World), year 2012, is to prepare education resources from green technologies. Remote resources were developed for self-education of secondary schools´ teachers and professionals from the industry. Comprehensive virtual experiments and some remote experiments were introduced together with interactive e-learning material. By describing all three initiatives this paper: (1) demonstrates the development in remote education resources, (2) how the needs of specific learners´ groups, including non-traditional learners, can been considered and (3) summarizes the lessons learned.