The
virtual laboratory is a computer-based learning environment. This type of lab can scale up the utilization of
existing space and equipment, while still yielding most of the benefits of a
traditional approach. Furthermore it has some educational advantages not
available in a traditional laboratory course. A scenario for a virtual lab
course first has the instructor perform a demonstration/lecture using
conventional equipment and then has each student perform the corresponding
virtual experiments during the following week. This has the advantage of
showing students what actual equipment looks like and how the equipment is
interconnected without the need to own multiple copies of the more expensive
equipment. It also reduces problems with safety and theft. A virtual motors
lab was offered at Cal Poly for the first time in Fall 1999. Computers in the virtual labs act as traditional
web and file servers, as 'instrument servers' and as
student workstations.
