Large-scale Web-based virtual oscilloscope laboratory experiment

Abstract

VLAB, a pilot Web-based virtual laboratory on an oscilloscope experiment, has been developed and launched for over 1000 first year undergraduate engineering students in the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Rather than simulating the oscilloscope display on the client as is often done in other virtual laboratories, the system uses real-time video capture of the actual oscilloscope display. In addition, the use of the mouse to turn the control buttons and knobs of the instrument has been implemented so that a more realistic feel of the instrument is provided. Since its launch, VLAB has in general received positive feedback from numerous users and can be accessed from http://vlab.ee.nus.edu.sg/vlab.