MOOLs for MOOCs: A first edX scalable implementation

Abstract

Deploying remote laboratories at a large scale is the next challenge in remote experimentation. It is referred as Massive Open Online Labs (MOOLs). Being able to sustain a massive number of users accessing a specific resource concurrently is a complex task. This paper presents technical solutions, currently deployed, to implement such a remote lab in a MOOC. The control system lab deployed in edX, where more that 200 students access concurrently a farm of 20 electrical drives, is used as an example. Gamification mechanisms which accommodate even more students are proposed.