The objective of this paper is the identification of the variables which affect the acceptation by the students of two kinds of remote laboratories (photovoltaic panels and electric machines) in Higher Education. To achieve it, the Technology Acceptation Model is used and usability and usefulness are the considered factors. Two pilot experiences are carried out over a sample of 86 students which are studying the Energy Engineering Degree. 45 of them (52.3%) carry out the electric machines lab class and 41 (47.7%) the photovoltaic one. After a descriptive analysis, an exploratory and multivariate analysis is carried out. It allows the identification of relations between several variables which affect to the acceptation of both remote labs.
Abstract:In engineering, remote laboratories present a triple role: they provide to the students the necessary contact with real devices, introduce them in the use of new technologies and make possible that the students conduct lab classes when and where they want. In this paper we present a remote lab devoted to photovoltaic power. The experimental system consists of two photovoltaic panels connected to a variable load and illuminated by a variable luminary. It allows the students to obtain different characteristic curves. The user interface has been integrated in Moodle. The system access management is carried out by software developed by authors. A didactic valuation process has been carried out to establish the acceptation of the educational experience by the students and to identify underlying factors. The hardware and software developed for this remote lab are not specific, but reusable for other remote lab experiences besides the one presented here.
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