Abstract
This work presents a system for on-line study purposes and for demonstrative operation of water quality monitoring based on previous full-scale trials in a commercial aquaculture facility under the scope of a R&D project. This system is still under development, and was designed for sharing resources in R&D activities and later in distance learning blended courses. An application developed in LabVIEW is responsible for receiving information from physical and chemical data (water level, flow, oxygen, temperature, pH, ORP and CO2) through a hardware interface. The acquired data are recorded in a Microsoft Access database that can be locally queried as desired. An IP camera allows students to observe the system in real-time. Students can log into the system and follow the real-time variations of a specific water quality parameter and the synergetic effects of these changes on the levels of other constituents. The water tanks contain no living beings in order to allow free adjustments of the parameters under study. The system description, data and remote access link is integrated in a basic course available in a Moodle® server. The goal of this course is to provide a stimulating interdisciplinary environment to a diverse group of undergraduate students, where critical research questions related to water are addressed. This system, unique in the area concerning with our knowledge, intends to contribute also to studentsâ?? training on data monitoring and analysis; and to nourish analytical skills and creativity of future scientists by encouraging potential graduate students to go further. Finally, this system allows the students to be familiar with the use of some new information technologies.
Highlights
The use of remote laboratories in natural and fundamental sciences is not as popular as in engineering areas, probably due to the lack of technological expertise necessary to setup and maintain a computer based remote system
Examples of remote systems are available from engineering schools worldwide [1,2,3,4,5,6] and can be used to help to develop systems suitable for science teaching applications
The objective of this work is to present the results of a joint collaboration between teachers and researchers from the Faculties of Sciences and Engineering of University of Porto, working in different research Centres (CIIMAR, CIQ and UISPAIDMEC-Pólo FEUP), in the form of a prototype of a dedicated computer-based monitoring system for critical water quality (WQ) parameters with data logging, data analysis and alarming
Summary
The use of remote laboratories in natural and fundamental sciences is not as popular as in engineering areas, probably due to the lack of technological expertise necessary to setup and maintain a computer based remote system. Like the one reported here, may improve students’ knowledge and skills in a blended learning approach, by confronting them with new technologies in an interdisciplinary environment. This kind of experience presents a different challenge and definitely contributes to open students’ minds increasing their ability to deal with new situations. Examples of remote systems are available from engineering schools worldwide [1,2,3,4,5,6] and can be used to help to develop systems suitable for science teaching applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET)
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
