Process Systems Engineering
at Louisiana State University

Project: Virtual Labs for e-Learning Environment for Engineering Education

Researcher: J.A. Orellana
Supervisor: J.A. Romagnoli

Advances in information technology have allowed the sharing of information across the globe at a blink of an eye. The use of technology to provide flexible methods for disseminating corporate information has been employed by industry for many years. Educational institutions are increasingly implementing Internet based learning portals and multimedia applications to provide access to educational resources across vast distances. The IT revolution has open education access to remote and regional communities removing barrier to a quality education.

Figure 1

This project involves the development of information technologies to extend access to education and provide an environment which challenges student’s traditional approach to learning. Experimental and simulation cases form the basis of a flexible Laboratory Environment which offers students learning modules that can be taken in the laboratory or over the internet. Figure 1 is a graphical representation of the learning environment.

This distributed learning environment comprises of a jigsaw of simulation and experimental modules that can be arranged in various structures depending on the learning outcome for a given course. Each learning module will uses a problem based approach to teaching and learning, where projects are centered on industrial processes. Students have access to a range of learning modules enhancing students understanding of the process and associated theory.

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