Virtual, Local And Remote Laboratories For Conceptual Understanding Of Dynamic Systems

Current cyberinfrastructure is changing the way scientists and engineers interact and work using digital technologies. In particular, online experimentation systems are revolutionizing how scientists and engineers collect data, simulate physical behaviors, and perform experiments. This study explores the role of virtual, local and remote laboratories in supporting students' abilities to conduct experiments with dynamic systems and observe their frequency response. We compare three different technologies that afford students access to conduct experiments and perform computer simulations through local and remote laboratories. Our sample consisted of 57 students from three groups of the same course, offered in subsequent semesters. The results suggest that students increased their understanding of frequency response of dynamic systems with each of the learning tools. Similarly, students reported positive perceptions about the use of these tools, but they identified computer simulations as being easier to use. Although students' perceptions of the acquisition of conceptual knowledge through the different experiences varied significantly across experiments, results are inconclusive as to what specific toolor sequence of tools they favored.