e-Laboratory for Mechatronics engineering courses: an innovative laboratory for distance learning

Abstract

High cost of traditional or hands-on laboratory classes and the need for distance learning in many university institutions has been a trend towards providing online laboratory classes through electronics access. Aligned to this trend, Universiti Malaysia Perlis started a project to develop and test new technologies for student learning using the internet, including a substantial effort in electronics access laboratories (e-Lab). The e-Lab class can offer cost savings compared to a hands-on laboratory and has been made possible by advancements in software and communication technologies. However, some significant limiting factors have become apparent. The technology has not been widely adopted elsewhere. Nearly all engineering laboratory classes still follow traditional patterns, as do lecture and tutorial classes. Therefore it is worth asking why the adoption of such an attractive technology has been so much slower than expected. To answer this question we started a project to understand more about the practical learning outcomes from traditional and e-Lab classes. When we measure practical intelligence (experience) in e-Lab classes, we not only found we could measure a significant gain in e-Lab practical intelligence, but also predict students’ ability to diagnose equipment faults. For the first time, therefore, we can demonstrate that there are real advantages inherent in e-Lab classes and we can measure this advantage. It is possible that measurements of practical intelligence may reveal novel and more powerful ways for students to acquire practical knowledge and skills. Results show that performing an experiment by e-Lab or away from the physical equipment can have significant effect on the student's practical intelligence (learning experience) while not affecting learning outcomes. The physical separation allows students to learn and interact freely and creates a good opportunity for knowledge transfer.