Part-66 Basic Vlab

Traditionally eLearning courses comprised mainly training material delivered online. Graphic images comprising sketeches, schematic diagrams, photographs etc. were used to compliment the text.
Multimedia content such as audio, animations and movies were used to improve the student experience. Online quizzes with immediate feedback for students is also important in formative testing.

Many courses for engineers and technicians require a lab content and it is a given that, while they must get experience in a real lab situation, there are many advantages in providing so-called "virtual labs". These
involve either 2D or 3D simulations or real experiments. Obviously students don't get tactile feedback but a number of studies have shown the effectiveness of these virtual labs. With Flash 2D graphics and
free VRML plugins for all commonly used browsers, realistic simulations can be used. The virtual labs can be complimented using movies of real lab sessions.

Apart from virtual labs, so-called online calculators can be used to perform the relevent calculations and all labotatory tasks such as graphics results and preparing reports can be done online.

Advantages include:

available24x7 anywhere (assuming web access)
don't have to buy expensive equipment
don't have to set up real lab equipment
number of students can access at same time

Students remember:

10% of what they read
20% of what they hear
30% if they see visuals as they year
50% if they see a demonstration by someone else
90% if they do it themselves even if it is a simulation

(D. Menn, Boeing 1993)

ASTech has pioneered the use of virtual labs and online calculators and their integration into SCORM compliant LMS systems.

Part-66 Basic Vlab

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