L-micro ® computer laboratory complex for remote student training

M.L. Advantage of real laboratory experiment with actual object of examination over computer simulation is obviously and hardly demands an additional reasoning. However, it\'s embodying in actual educational process restricted for the clear reasons and refers a fortiori to remote training.

The organization of a laboratory practical work within the framework of the remote training concept imposes specific requirements of used equipment and methodical materials. First of all laboratory devices should be compact enough and convenient for transportation, have the simple upkeep which is not need an attraction of experts.

Completeness of the methodical materials accompanying the relevant equipment, should be whenever possible exhaustive and meet the requirements of the maximum detail and laconically. It should allow to a student without hope for any assistance to resolve all possible questions bound with self-maintained carrying out of experiment.

Usiage of standard educational equipment for the above-stated purposes is improbable. One of the solving methods of the present problem is appllying the L-micro ® laboratory complex using in its basis a perfect device - computer, which provides with creation of the experimental devices for carrying out of any laboratory sophisticated experiments.

The computer really conforms to its direct purpose of the powerful knowledge tool of the phenomena nature investigation: as an instrument and a resort for result fixing and processing. L-micro ® base package includes an electronic interface block, sensors and elements of laboratory equipment, a software and detailed methodical materials.

The laboratory equipment is represented as separate modules from which various experimental devices can be agglomerated without any additional equipment. These modules are easily erected on the metal basis at assembly with the help of magnetic holders and folding supports. Computer program is specially adapted for individual studying implements the universal script for carrying out of the laboratory works, including test tasks for a student\'s prior leave for work, a brief theoretical material with the experimental protocol, a necessary information for experimental device assembly, and also blocks for carrying out of experiment and for received result processing.

The software includes a powerful mathematical tool, animation elements, a spreadsheet, updating means of experimental data and their graphical output ready for reporting. Now the laboratory works covering key physics sections are prepared: mechanics, magnetism, electricity and optics.

The base package for remote training includes the following works: "Maxwell\'s pendulum", "Definition of the terrestrial magnetic field", "EMF and power of DC source", "Polarization plane rotation in a sugar solution". The equipment package and methodical materials are packed in a plastic suitcase and can be used immediately at studies. Electronic blocks are connected to IBM-compatible computer through a serial port with/without a "mouse".

An installation program automatically tests computer and sets equipment. Using of a computer at carrying out of physical experiment allows to implement information representation in any possible forms: semantic, symbolical and pictorial. Thus sync of information perception renders the strong developing effect and promotes mastering of the difficult material. The present complex is extremely convenient resort for the organization of self-maintained student works.