Design of a generic, interactive, virtual and remote electrical engineering laboratory

This paper presents a work-in progress concept of a generic interactive virtual and remote engineering laboratory. The laboratory, accessible over heterogeneous computer networks (LAN/WAN), is a collaborative learning environment where teachers and students can interact and perform laboratory experiments. To demonstrate its usefulness, feasibility, performance and challenges, the authors incorporates a stepper motor data acquisition system so that students are able to command it via the Internet instead of attending a regular laboratory session. This stepper motor system set-up gives students the ability to experiment from any personal computer and to do so as much as they wish. As well, a concrete learning scenario design permits one to carefully develop software and hardware components that will complement the overall laboratory concept, and make it more student-friendly and accessible.