Implementation of Interactive and Adjustable Cloud-based e-Learning Tools for 21st Century Engineering Education: Challenges and Prospects

Online courses in engineering, technology and natural sciences in most parts of the world suffer from the lack of practical hands-on experimentation as an integral part of the curriculum being provided. The use of virtual labs and equipment facilitates active online learning. This meets habits of today's students who are always online and serves to fully engage them in STEM learning. This paper discusses the challenges and prospects of implementing simulation-based adjustable online learning activities, v-labs and comprehensive e-learning environments for teaching subjects, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, thermodynamics, materials science, and some others to diverse cohorts of students from different parts of the world. The virtual labs were integrated with various online courses, including massive open online courses (MOOC) platforms. The use of these tools results in deeper understanding and transferable knowledge and skills for the learners.