Remote Experimentation – New Content in Distance Learning

This paper proposes to improve access to laboratory experiments in engineering education by making remote experimentation accessible through the use of the Internet. It is proposed to form a network of providers of remotely operable laboratory experiments, and to delegate many of the technical, managerial and financial tasks involved in operating such a network to a commercial organizing company. Further, the paper describes the EU-project ReLAX which aims at making remote experimentation available as a component in distance learning. The project will perform a full-scale evaluation of remote experimentation with respect to didactical, technological and commercial issues. Index terms – New educational tool, remote experimentation, remote laboratories, control engineering