Using industry 4.0 technologies to support teaching and learning

It is a known fact that students learn more effectively when theory is supplemented by a large component of laboratories. But laboratory based learning is most effective when students are able to practice laboratories multiple times to review their work, reflect on it, test different scenarios, and discuss the results with their peers and instructors. In the School of Engineering Practice and Technology (SEPT) at McMaster University we have achieved this by providing remote laboratories using Industry 4.0 technologies. These technologies have enabled us to build industrial networks laboratories that are accessible onsite, and remotely online through the Internet. We call them McMaster Internet Laboratories or MiLabs in short (pronounced as My Labs). This paper describes how Industry 4.0 technologies are used to enable remote access to MiLabs; and how we have designed our laboratory sessions and laboratories based projects to maximize learning. Furthermore, the paper presents general analysis of students' performance and feedback which show that MiLabs is an effective laboratory platform.