IoT-based Experiential E-Learning Platform (EELP) for Online and Blended Courses

This article describes the design and implementation of a remote laboratory for learning embedded systems using Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The main objective of this remote laboratory is to enhance the learning on sensors, actuators, interfacing, and real-programing in engineering education and dealing with industrial automation and automotive applications. With the growing IoT platforms, the telepresence of learners in physical lab facilities implemented using a webcam, telepresence controllers, and graphical user interface (GUI). In the developed platform, learners will be able to practice hardware programming via remote access to lab facilities and observe the sensor's and actuator's functionalities. This platform allows the learner to practice in course materials anywhere and anytime using smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Therefore, learners can also practice control algorithms mainly used in automation and automotive industries and then deploy them on the existing industrial platform. A set of student-center laboratory activities has been developed with a pedagogical approach based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory as a complement to the proposed venue. The developed platform is a very low-cost platform integrated into expensive available platforms and available remotely.