Collaborative Web-Based Experimentation in Flexible Engineering Education

Abstract

Abstract-The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland, is deploying a flexible learning scheme for selected pilot courses in engineering education. In such a scheme, traditional lectures and written exercises are combined with additional Web-based learning resources. The main objective of this initiative is to sustain the evolution from traditional teaching to active learning and to better integrate the increasing number of educational resources available online. In engineering education, a key activity to sustain the learning process is hands-on experimentation carried out using either simulation tools or real equipment. This paper describes how a collaborative Web-based experimentation environment has been introduced at the EPFL for providing more flexibility to students performing laboratory experiments in automatic control, biomechanics, and fluid mechanics. It particularly describes the eJournal, a Web service integrated in the proposed learning environment that enables the collection and sharing of preparatory notes and experimental results with both peers and teaching assistants.

A Systematic Two-Layer Approach to Develop Web-Based Experimentation Environments for Control Engineering Education

“…This tool supports the fundamental aspects related to the web-based collaborative works existing between students and instructors. From a pedagogical perspective, eMersion is a very convenient environment for distance learning in engineering disciplines because it incorporates all the elements needed to complete an experimental session emulating the work carried out in traditional laboratories [3], [24].…”

“…Control engineering is one of the technical areas in which the impact of new technologies to develop novel approaches for distance learning is most noticeable [2]. A great number of research groups, universities, and academic institutions all over the world are currently implementing virtual and remote control laboratories with one objective in common: to enhance traditional teaching and learning processes by taking advantage of modern technologies [3].…”

Activity Theoretical Analysis and Design Model for Web-Based Experimentation

“…A typical virtual laboratory resource is an interactive experiment that relies on a simulation engine. A typical remote laboratory resource is a physical experimental system that is equipped with the necessary facilities to enable Webbased measuring, monitoring, and manipulation [2].…”

“…There is also an increasing need to expand the diversity of laboratory resources provided to students. Within this challenging context, the flexible learning paradigm [1,2] could be seen as an appropriate solution. It refers to a hybrid-learning scheme in which the traditional courses are combined with online activities.…”

“…In fact, since the last decade, several institutions have already exploited the usage of the Web infrastructure and developed their experimentation courses in engineering curricula using this medium as a main infrastructure. However, Web-based experimentation is a very complex socio-technical setting [2][3][4]. As a consequence, understanding the main factors that constitute such particular learning context is an essential step in finding solutions to support and sustain interaction, collaboration and learning processes.…”