Laboratory based courses in distance learning settings

Offering laboratory-based courses in distance learning environments presents a set of difficulties. First, in asynchronous distance learning settings (mainly video-tapes and self-paced learning), students may not have access to a laboratory and may have to rely on simulation tools, leaving a lot to be desired regarding the laboratory hands-on experience. Second, in synchronous distance learning settings (in which two or more sections of a class convene at geographically separated sites with one instructor supervising the multiple sites simultaneously), laboratory equipment would need to be duplicated at all sites. Furthermore-in the synchronous setting-keeping students at the remote sites interested presents another level of difficulty that needs to be resolved. In this paper, we present solutions that should help to alleviate these problems