A novel method using a virtual laboratory to teach science and engineering in a flexible learning environment

Stephen Low Wee Kiat, Low Wai Ping and Peter Chuah Chin Kah
SIM University
Singapore

The teaching of science and engineering courses in a flexible and open learning environment has always posed difficulties in meeting the required learning objectives. In addition, the increasing threats of disease outbreaks like bird flu or SARS may limit the studentsÕ opportunities to attend face-to-face laboratory sessions. Thus, novel methods need to be devised to supplement conventional face-to-face laboratory learning experiences. This paper explores some of the novel methods, at a conceptual level, to teach students the concepts of electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements using LABVIEW, a PC-based virtual instrument; and the control of inverted pendulum motion using the MATLAB-based QUANSER training kit at the SIM University (UniSIM).

In the first part of the paper, the authors review the current state of deployment of information and communication technology (ICT) at the School of Science and Technology, and discuss some of the possible pedagogical approaches to the use of ICT in teaching and learning of science and engineering courses.

As an example, students taking the foundation Biophysics course (taught as part of the Biomedical Engineering program in SIM University) learn the practical aspects of electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements with the use of National Instruments (NI) ELVIS prototyping boards, software driven data acquisition interfaces, and PC-based virtual oscilloscopes utilizing LABVIEW drivers. The authors investigate the possibility of extending this virtual laboratory environment to allow students to interact with a remotely set up ECG measurement system at the UniSIM Bioelectronics Laboratory through the use of TCP/IP internet protocols. In this teaching arrangement, students may change control parameters from their home PCs equipped with the appropriate LABVIEW software, and measure the ECG patterns of a volunteer subject situated at the UniSIM laboratory. The authors then compare the conventional measurement methods with the proposed virtual methods to support the teaching and learning at the School.

This paper concludes with a discussion of the potential benefits of, and suggests appropriate recommendations for, using virtual instrumentation to supplement face-to-face laboratory tutorials for Science and Engineering courses presented at UniSIM.