IIT Delhi to Launch Virtual Labs

June 7, 2010 - PRLog -- The  IIT Delhi (Indian Institute of Technology), is in the final phase of rolling out its pilot project on virtual laboratories this year. The project is part of the government’s National Mission on Education through ICT. A virtual laboratory provides opportunities for students to perform experiments online that is similar to a real laboratory experience. Advantages are many such as remotely located students can perform experiments round the-clock; students can also do simulation experiments on the internet at their own convenience without actually being physically present.

Explaining the reasons behind this project, Surendra Prasad, director, IIT, Delhi, said, “Physical distances and the availability of resources limit experiments, especially when they involve sophisticated instruments. Also, good teachers are always a rare resource. Web-based and video-based courses address the issue of teaching to some extent. Conducting joint experiments by two participating institutions and also sharing costly resources have always been a challenge. But now thanks to technology, students need not limit their experience of conducting experiments.

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Also, in a country such as ours, costly instruments and equipment need to be shared with fellow researchers. Web-enabled experiments can be designed for remote operation and viewing so as to enthuse the curiosity and innovation of students. These would help in learning basic and advanced concepts through remote experimentation,” adds Prasad.

IIT-Delhi has been experimenting with the virtual lab within its system in areas such as mechanical, textile and civil engineering. IIT Delhi has a sophisticated Digital Hardware Design Laboratory, which has state-ofthe-art equipment. Virtual lab has created a prototype of this lab online. Institutes that cannot have access to advanced equipment will benefit from the virtual lab.

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the ministry has pegged a budget of Rs 80 crore ($18 million) for this scheme in the IIT system. The ministry is also providing a high bandwidth internet connection for its implementation. Prasad informed that institutes other than IITs are also involved in this project.

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