The Internet Chemistry Set: Web-based Remote Laboratories for Distance Education in Chemistry

摘要

The convergence of modern data acquisition technologies with the Web's interactivity, connectivity and multimedia capabilities presents an exceptional opportunity for distance education in the physical sciences. Web-mediated access and control of laboratory equipment can improve utilization of expensive and specialized instruments, facilitate collaborative data sharing and analysis, and provide essential practical experience in physical science courses delivered at a distance. This paper describes a remotely controlled experiment for determining the rates of fast chemical reactions. The experiment is not a simulation; it involves actual equipment controlled in real time from remote locations on the Web. The experiment is the first in a series designed to provide a pedagogically on-line laboratory experience for Web-delivered general chemistry courses. Students use the experiment's Web interface to collect data, to obtain interactive technical support and background information, and to display and analyze results. Each experiment is designed to encourage sharing of data and collaboration with users at other institutions, providing students with a valuable first look at work in a distributed laboratory environment.