Social Science for the Environment, Virtual Reality and Experimental Laboratories.
Virtual Laboratories
description
Transcript of Virtual Laboratories
Virtual Laboratories
Department of Automatic Control & System Engineering
The University of Sheffield
Yashar Baradaranshokouhi
Virtual Laboratory Leader: Dr. Anthony Rossiter
To Achieve a better learning experience better: Lectures Tutorials Computer Labs Equipment
◦ Difficulties: Time Slots Cost Space
Blended Learning Package
A Solution to:
A Quick Introduction:
Limited resources and equipment 24/7 accessible for students Limited time of academic staff and technicians Authentic learning and student motivation. Students have time to reflect and redo activities.
Two Main Types: SVL (Soft Virtual Laboratories) HVL (Hard Virtual Laboratories)
Not all of the experiments can be transformed into the virtual environment
Database Integration IGUI: Interactive Graphical User Interface design Unexpected errors and crashes while running the
experiment remotely Maintenance Automatic Recovery system Fixed station for the equipment
Design: Challenges & Solutions
Considering the students feedback, two different approaches has been considered
Design: Challenges & Solutions
1) Complex Design (DC Servo Motor) Includes: Tab based (4 tabs) Interactive user interface Interconnected experiments Database connectivity Log-in feature
2) Simple Design (PID Controller) Only one tab Straight forward load & run
First Order Modelling
Calculating the gain (K) Calculating the time constant (T) Building a first order transfer function Analysis of first order step response
Laboratory: DC Servo Motor
Experiment 1: Gain Measurement
Experiment 2: Time Constant Calculation
Experiment 3: System Transfer Function
Email, Save and Submission Page
Database Integration IGUI: Interactive Graphical User Interface Security Check Online User Queuing System Live View of the Laboratory Time limitations Robust and automatic recovery system
Features:
Hands on Experience with a PID Controller
PI: Proportional Integral controller PD: Proportional Derivative controller PID controller System response analysis at set point (Step
Response)
Laboratory 2: PID Controller
Simple Design Online User Queuing System Time Limitation Real Time Live View of the system step
response Robust and easy recovery
Features:
Laboratory 2: PID Controller
Reliability is fundamental. Students expect the system to work if engagement is encouraged or compulsory.
Lighting: Does the webcam work at night? Automatic restart: For what scenarios can
the system crash and how quickly is this noticed and rectified?
Simplicity of instructions and interface. Queuing: The queue length should be
visible or have a formal booking system.
Student Feedback and Evaluation
Students projects have been designed and supervised to build up laboratories for students
Students feedback has been effectively considered.
Laboratories has been available for students 24/7
Virtual Laboratories can play an important role in learning and teaching.
Conclusions
Dr. Anthony Rossiter Dr. Ian Lilley Mr. Ian Hammond Department of Automatic Control & System
Engineering
Thanks to