Remote Control and Visualisation for Light Spectra and Wet Chemistry Experiments

• Main Author: Amaral, Telmo Pedro Gomes
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2005
• Subjects: Educational technology; Science education; User interface
• ISBN: 9798382698281

Experimental work is a vital component of teaching in science and engineering. Emerging multimedia and “virtual science” platforms have much to offer in terms of conveying theoretical principles, but do not focus on teaching the process of scientific enquiry or engineering practice. Remote experimentation systems present an opportunity to widen access to real experiments that might otherwise only be offered to those able to get to a suitably equipped laboratory. Access to laboratory equipment might be restricted for such reasons as disability, geographical location, resource restrictions in an institution, inflexible scheduling, or because it is judged impossible to offer the facility to students in a safe way. This dissertation begins with an overview of remote experimentation and the European project PEARL (Practical Experimentation by Accessible Remote Learning). It then addresses the development of a software framework to enable remote control and monitoring of equipment used in light spectra and wet chemistry experiments. The proposed framework was developed in the context of the PEARL project, and was designed to assist foundation science students in their Summer School component at the Open University. The capture and analysis of the system’s requirements was followed by the production of a detailed design model. The components of the system were then implemented and deployed. Several tests were carried out, which led to some design changes and ultimately to the technical validation of the system. Student trials were also carried out, to evaluate the system’s usability.