Integration of remote major research instrumentation in undergraduate civil engineering education

We report the results of a pilot study aimed at developing, implementing, and assessing an educational module that integrates remote major research instrumentation into an undergraduate civil engineering course. Specifically, this study shows the potential of adopting Internet Webbased technologies to allow for real-time video monitoring and execution of cutting-edge experiments in undergraduate geotechnical engineering classes. The students' activities within the module are centered on designing and building a model of a shallow foundation on a sand deposit utilizing a centrifuge facility and using this model for: (1) visual observation of the response of soil-foundation systems, (2) learning the use of instrumentation, (3) interpretation of acquired data, and (4) comparing experimental results to theoretical predictions. Testing a soilfoundation system helped the students identify the lab experiments needed to design the system. A survey was used to gauge the students' learning outcomes as a result of introducing the module. The module proved that remote sites can be made conveniently accessible to students and faculty; thereby, enhancing the learning experience of students that otherwise do not have access to these types of facilities and also help to save educational institutions resources.