Design and implementation of a virtual on-line lab on optical communications

Abstract

ABSTRACT The paper describes the design and implementation of a virtual lab for on-line lab training on optical communications, part of the ‘Optical Communications’ course offered at the Dept. of Electrical & Electronic Engineering Educators, School of Pedagogical & Technological Education (ASPETE), Athens, Greece. The virtual lab is based on the OptiSystem 16 software tool while the on-line component was implemented by using the MS-Teams tool of MS-Office. The lab includes a synchronous and an asynchronous part. Since the virtual lab was offered for the first time, students’ response was evaluated on the basis of the submitted lab reports to allow for proper corrective actions during the subsequent academic year. Results were encouraging in that 79% of the students achieved a passing grade, however, 60% of students either failed or attained a low passing grade, which leaves room for improvement. Further analysis revealed a lack of a proper background in mathematics, physics and essential signal quantities. Future actions will include an investigation of the optimum combination between the physical and the simulation lab, development of short notes and multiple-choice questions, a closer association between the lab work and relevant small tasks/projects and a more systematic feedback process.