Remotely controlled experiments have become a widespread tool for teaching physics at the university level of education. When executing remote experiments the remote users can change system parameters, observe results in graphical form and/or by video transmission from webcam, and download the experimental results. Sometimes a booking system is available for remote experiments that allows the users to book time for access of remote experiment in advance.[5] User operates remote experiment via graphical user interface. Remote experiments are positively evaluated by the learners.[6]
Advantages of remote experiments
When compared to simulations in virtual laboratories and to experiments in the traditional laboratories, remotely controlled experiments have following advantages:
remote experiments can be carried out from anywhere in the world;
no time restriction since experiments are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
overcoming problems with limited laboratory capacity for numerous students;[7]
safe and secure operation of equipment without danger of user's injury;
remote experiments can be shared between education institutions as for example in labshare initiative.
Users of remote experiments
Remote experiments are a powerful technology which can be implemented in distance education to provide the learner hands-on experience. Remote experiments can be especially valuable for some groups of users:
learners with physical disabilities, who cannot intend traditional laboratory exercises;
part-time students, who cannot intend traditional laboratory exercises;
learners who are undergoing continued education (Lifelong learning) and have to integrate learning activities into their everyday schedule.
^Kozil, Tomaš; Marek Šimon (September 2012). "Preparing and managing the remote experiment in education". 15th International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL).
^Callaghan, Harkin, Maguire (2007). "Paradigms in Remote Experimentation", International Journal of Online Engineering (iJOE), Vol 3, No 4 (2007)[1]