Virtual labs for electronics engineering using cloud computing

Abstract

Online learning is fast becoming a preferred medium of learning. It is estimated that 6 million college students took at least one online course last year. Online learning in technical education is primarily delivered through pre-recorded videos. We will discuss a virtual learning system in the context of electronics engineering education. This learning system models the circuits as well as the instruments that are typically used in the labs to allow students to carry out the experiments in a virtual environment. We have extended the concept further to allow students to carry out the experiments on the web-browsers and devices of their choice. The simulations themselves are carried out utilizing cloud computing infrastructure such as those provided by Amazon and Microsoft while the use focuses on putting the experiments.