Blended Learning Using GCAR-EAD Environment: Experiences and Application Results

Abstract This paper presents results and experiences of the application of an educational tool called GCAR-EAD Virtual Learning Environment in control systems lessons at the electrical engineering department of our University. The environment offers besides traditional organized educational material also remote experiments and a preliminary tutoring system that guide the student in order to maximize knowledge transfer and self-learning techniques. MOODLE as common virtual learning platform was employed as basis of the environment architecture and several developed tools were integrated to increase the added educational value of the system. Results and students feedback indicate good educational value associated with the system and further development is addressed to enhance the blended learning scenario and effectiveness of the system.

[1]  Heinz-H. Erbe,et al.  Mixed reality with hyper-bonds—A means for remote labs , 2007 .

[2]  Kay Chen Tan,et al.  Development of a web-based control experiment for a coupled tank apparatus , 2000, Proceedings of the 2000 American Control Conference. ACC (IEEE Cat. No.00CH36334).

[3]  K.E. Holbert,et al.  Embedding remote experimentation in power engineering education , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems.

[4]  Zhang Shu,et al.  NETLAB-An Internet based laboratory for electrical engineering education , 2005 .

[5]  Sandro Zappatore,et al.  A general framework for networked multimedia applications enabling access to laboratory equipment: the LABNET project experience , 2001, Proceedings International Conference on Information Technology: Coding and Computing.

[6]  Chr. Schmid,et al.  A Web-based system for control engineering education , 2000, Proceedings of the 2000 American Control Conference. ACC (IEEE Cat. No.00CH36334).

[7]  M. Casini,et al.  The automatic control telelab , 2004, IEEE Control Systems.

[8]  Michael E. Auer,et al.  Distributed virtual and remote labs in engineering , 2003, IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology, 2003.

[9]  Martyn COOPER The challenge of practical work in an eUniversity-real , virtual and remote experiments , 2004 .

[10]  Celal Batur,et al.  Remote tuning of a PID position controller via Internet , 2000, Proceedings of the 2000 American Control Conference. ACC (IEEE Cat. No.00CH36334).

[11]  Carlos Eduardo Pereira,et al.  Web-based control experiments on a foundation Fieldbus pilot plant , 2003 .

[12]  Carlos Eduardo Pereira,et al.  PID CONTROLLER TUNING REMOTE EXPERIMENT WITH LEARNING ENVIRONMENT INTEGRATION , 2006 .

[13]  I. Michaelides,et al.  A remotely accessible solar energy laboratory-A distributed learning experience , 2004 .

[14]  Richard E. Clark,et al.  Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work: An Analysis of the Failure of Constructivist, Discovery, Problem-Based, Experiential, and Inquiry-Based Teaching , 2006 .

[15]  E. Lehtinen COMPUTER-SUPPORTED COLLABORATIVE LEARNING: AN APPROACH TO POWERFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS , 2003 .

[16]  Thorsten Szczepanski,et al.  OPC - Making the Fieldbus Interface Transparent , 1999 .

[17]  Li Huijun,et al.  Virtual-Environment Modeling and Correction for Force-Reflecting Teleoperation With Time Delay , 2007 .

[18]  Kristin Y. Pettersen,et al.  A simulation game for nonlinear control theory education , 2007 .

[19]  Raul Wirz,et al.  A multimodal interface to control a robot arm via the web: a case study on remote programming , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics.

[20]  Lawrence A. Crowl,et al.  Distance learning applied to control engineering laboratories , 1996 .