Implementation of a web-based hybrid educational system for enhancing learning efficiency of engineering experiments

Abstract

To enhance the excellence, effectiveness, and economical efficiency in the learning process, we implement a creative hybrid educational system for engineering experiments where web-based virtual laboratory systems and distance education systems are properly integrated. In the first stage, we designed client/server distributed environment and developed web-based virtual laboratory system for electrical/electronic circuit experiments. The proposed virtual laboratory system is composed of three important sessions and their management system: concept-learning session, virtual experiment session, assessment session. With the aid of the management system every session is organically tied up together to achieve maximum learning efficiency. In addition, every activity done during the virtual laboratory session are recorded on database and will be provided to the learners as the printout report included their own experimental information and results. With this new system structure, the learners can compare theoretical and experimental data; develop their capability in designing and analyzing the circuits; and make use of auxiliary educational tools for understanding complicated concepts. In the second stage, we have implemented efficient and cost-effective distance laboratory systems for practicing electrical/ electronic circuits, which can be used to eliminate the lack of reality occurred during virtual laboratory session. The use of simple and user-friendly design allows a large number of people to access our distance laboratory systems easily. Thus, self-guided advanced training is available even if many expensive types of equipment will not be provided in the on-campus laboratories. During distance laboratory session, the learners change the settings of the input signal and the values of circuit elements, observe the output waveform from the web camera, and obtain image information regarding their experimental results. The proposed virtual/distance laboratory systems can be used in stand-alone fashion, but to enhance learning efficiency we integrated them and developed a creative hybrid education system for engineering experiments. Our hybrid education system provides interactive learning environment and a new approach for the delivery of engineering experiments. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.