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Title- International integration of remote learning platforms on PLC automation

Abstract- Many teaching institutions worldwide have decided to work firmly in distance learning applications. In this frame, remote laboratories enable the intensive use of the university devices and ease the work of professors and students. The present work introduces different platforms to be used in industrial automation practises, developed in Barcelona, Manaus and Santiago de Cuba. The platforms are communicable through Internet, include programmable logic controllers programmable with the open software CoDeSys and have different sensors and actuators usual in industrial installations.

Index Terms- virtual laboratories, remote control, programmable logical controller, automation systems, sequential control system.

Title- Development of an ARS system for on-line learning

Abstract- Audio Response Systems (ARS) are currently used as a mechanism to enhance face to face education in classrooms and the results are promising. These systems could also improve certain aspects in e-learning if designed appropriately. This paper presents a design and implementation of an ARS adapted to both face to face education and distance learning scenarios. We also show how this ARS system is deployed inside the Carlos III of Madrid University.

Index terms- Audience Response Systems, Classroom Response Systems, e-learning, m-learning.

Title- Modular construction of mobile robots. Portfolio-based project for undergraduates

Abstract- Engineering is defined as "the application of scientific principles and knowledge to the systematic design and construction of devices, machines or systems of a certain economic value". Often, the engineers instruct themselves on scientific knowledge applied to the design, but the phase of the construction is omitted. It is proposed in this article to use like developmental pattern a project on mobile robotics with the strategy of portfolio during a degree course or like final work. The students motivate themselves through the challenge to solve complex problems of the real world in a controlled framework.

Index Terms- Engineering education, Mecatronics, Mobile robotics.

Title- Methodological specification for the development and implementation of experimentation environments

Abstract- In engineering grades, the accomplishment of experimental practices is limited to a real presence in the laboratory installations. Nevertheless, the development of remote environments has facilitated the use of experimental equipment outside the laboratory, avoiding the spatial and temporary barriers. There are so many initiatives that provides real interaction with the laboratory equipment, but no methodology exits that allows getting a unified vision of the development and access to these laboratories, that is to say, an specification of the experimental environment. This paper describes a specification proposal that relies about the definition of the laboratory components and the functionality of the experimentation environment in terms of these components. Using this approach, it will be possible to focus on the accomplishment of experiments and define them as reusable units of learning in an independent way. The component descriptions are defined in terms of XML tags and also a development framework is modelled in order to add tools for experiment designers and to provide a visual interaction with the laboratory.

Index terms- Remote experimentation, virtual and remote labs, XML, Engineering education, Interactivity, Web based education.