Distributed virtual and remote labs in engineering

Laboratories are important elements in science, engineering and technical education. They allow the application and testing of theoretical knowledge in practical learning situations. Experimentation and experience-based learning is also performed in many other subject areas, for example in economics where students lead virtual companies and compete on a simulated market. Active learning by means of online laboratories is especially valuable for distance education students and learners in the workplace. They can access the labs without traveling. This flexibility is important for life long learning, because it allows learners in the workplace to fit learning phases into a full work agenda. Using online laboratories has the potential of removing the obstacles of cost, time-inefficient use of facilities, inadequate technical support and limited access to laboratories.