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Every project supported by Gebert Rüf Stiftung is made accessible with a web presentation that informs about the core data of the project. With this public presentation, the foundation publishes the funding results achieved and contributes to the communication of science to society.

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A Cooperative Distant Learning Environment

Editorial

Für den Inhalt der Angaben zeichnet die Projektleitung verantwortlich.

Cooperation

Diese Rubrik wird erst seit 2010 erfasst.

Project data

  • Project no: GRS-011/00 
  • Amount of funding: CHF 486'000 
  • Approved: 22.06.2000 
  • Duration: 09.2000 - 08.2003 
  • Area of activity:  eTeach, 2001 - 2011

Project management

Project description

Das Projekt will ein standartisiertes Interface für reale fernsteuerbare Geräte oder serverseitige Simulatoren sowie Lernmodule aus dem hochaktuellen Gebiet der „Nanotechnologie“ realisieren. Einfacher: Das Projekt plant die Entwicklung von Simulatoren für Rastersonden-Mikroskopen, an denen Studierenden über internetbasierte Kommunikationskanäle auf einer realitätsnahen Benutzeroberfläche arbeiten können. Als Vorbild dient die Flugsimulatortechnologie.

What is special about the project?

Das Projekt verknüpft in exemplarischer Weise ein aktuelles Forschungsgebiet aus der Spitzentechnologie mit den didaktischen Möglichkeiten und Anforderungen internetgestützten Lernens.

Status/Results

Collaborative Remote Measurements
The last stage in our virtual e-learning environment is accomplished by a commercial Nanosurf easyScan microscope which we operate fully remote controllable. Students can collaboratively work on real experiments from multiple clients anywhere and anytime. One single remote, multi-accessible apparatus keeps the time of support at a minimum level and offers a maximum of usability. In addition, our remote atomic force microscope (RAFM) features an automatic positioning robotic to allow students to automatically choose from different samples. This means, various experiments can be done using the same instrument without the need of an operator.
The RAFM is designed for the use in an e-learning environment and fully remote controllable. A server enables the connection to various clients. Because of the easy protocol, the clients can have customized graphical interfaces. This means the look and feel can be adjusted to the actual user and the specific application.

Customizeable "look and feel"
The RAFM represents a state-of-the-art system using modern internet technologies and a robust, accurate and easy to handle robotics. The instrument is controlled by a LabViewTM server that manages the robotics as well as the remote accessibility. LabViewTM is an industry standard graphical programming environment. The implemented server supports a simple and open command line language. This keeps the accessibility very flexible. For the use as an e-learning tool, the graphical user interface (GUI) can be customized to fit the needs of students with various knowledge levels. This feature is interesting for the industrial user as well. The GUI can be adjusted to a specific application or experiment within minutes.

Publications

M. Guggisberg, P. Fornaro, A. Smith, T. Gyalog, C. Wattinger and H. Burkhart, Collaborative Nanoscience Laboratory with Intergrated Learning Modules, CHIMIA, 57(3), (2003)
C. Wattinger, P. Fornaro, M. Guggisberg, T. Gyalog and H. Burkhart, Monitoring and Controlling Scientific Experiments: Anywhere - Anytime, ERCIM News, 52 p.13-15 (2003)
M. Guggisberg, P. Fornaro, T. Gyalog and H. Burkhart, An Interdisciplinary Virtual Laboratory on Nanoscience , Future Generation Computer Systems, Vol. 19(1) p.133-144 (2003)
Ch. Freiburghaus, T. Gyalog, M. Guggisberg, P. Fornaro, S. Kannookadan, H. Burkhart, T. Fink, H. Siegenthaler and H.-J. Güntherodt Eclimate: Creating a motivating virtual learning environment , Proceedings 4th ICNEE Lugano, 1.2/7 (2002)

Media

3.6.2002, Die Qualität der Lehre verbessern, Visionen Nr. 2 / 2002
Juni 2002, Budesrätin Dreifuss zeigt Interesse an virtuellen Nanolabor, Intern, Zeitung für die MitarbeiterInnen der Universität Basel
13.6.2002, Kijken naar atomen, Intermediair 24 (NL)
9. 5. 2001, Präzisionskugeln für den „High-Tech-Kuli“, Basler Zeitung, Seite 22
27.4.01, Immer mehr virtuelle Universitäten in der Schweiz ermöglichen effizientes und angenehmes Lernen. TELE warf einen Blick hinter die Kulissen, TELE-Artikel
17.11.2000, Die Internet-Uni: Reales Lernen in virtuellen Hörsälen, Von Markus Christen, Basler Zeitung
März 2000, Radio DRS, Echo der Zeit
2000, Virtuelle Universitäten, eine Modeerscheinung oder die zweite gutenbergsche Revolution?, Stadtbuch 2000, Seite 45ff

Links

Persons involved in the project


Last update to this project presentation  07.11.2018