ABSTRACT
The evolution of digital computers along with the advancement of simulation technologies, remote controlling of instruments, automated data acquisition and rapid data analysis methods have opened a new door of delivering engineering education via online and blended learning methods. Distance delivery of engineering degrees often needs the use of virtual and remote laboratories in order to facilitate online teaching of intrinsic laboratory components. Remote laboratories present an opportunity for a student to complete the required laboratory components of his/her degree, usually from a distant location, and more importantly at their convenient time. The experimentation is performed by controlling the laboratory equipment using web-based means. This chapter presents the state of the art of recent research and developments of online learning via virtual and remote laboratories, and in particular makes a comparison among three different types of laboratories: hands-on/physical, virtual and remote. Virtual/remote laboratories could be useful to many developing countries where setting up of physical laboratories may be more expensive and hence establishing virtual/remote laboratories at a few central locations may cater to a large number of students across the country.
