Nano-World: A showcase suite for technology-enhanced learning

Over the past couple of years we have defined and implemented a variety of tools and instruments for supporting technology-enhanced teaching within the field of Nanoscience. Among others, the Nano-World showcase suite developed includes the following: a collaborative simulator for learning the basics of atomic force field microscopes; a remote laboratory which offers real-world access to experiments at the nanoscale level; software infrastructure for remote control and steering of ongoing experiments using mobile devices; interactive courseware that teaches the basic laws of physics such as force fields; a web-based platform for 3D visualizations of data collected via nano microscopes; and an interactive game for getting first impressions of atomic manipulations. In the paper we describe the different components and report on lessons learned from using the showcase within the university curriculum as well as an information medium for schools and public audiences. We also report on plans and first steps to interface the showcase suite with LiLa - the forthcoming library of labs.