Remote Access Laboratories, or RAL for short, involves students remotely accessing and controlling physical laboratory equipment via the Internet to obtain a particular learning outcome.

This initiative, originally developed as a joint project between the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying and Department ICT presently offers a range of RAL activities for courses, and is dedicated to expanding the number and quality of learning outcomes from these experiments.

RAL is used to deliver activities such as hydraulics, robotics, and process control experiments, as well as access a wide variety of software based experiments and activities such as finite elements modelling and design packages.

RAL is also part of an ongoing research program at USQ.

Remote Access Labs complement on-campus lab experiences to develop much needed skills and understanding. USQ RAL research addresses improving both the technical and pedagogical aspects of using Remote Access Labs.

In a recent 2012 Engineers Australia report, it highlighted the serious nature of Australia's engineering skills shortages and the gender imbalance in engineering. At present, the faculty significantly contributes to this pool of trained Engineers and Spatial Science professionals and offers multiple pathways from trade and VET backgrounds. This substantial effort can be even further enhanced through the use of RAL to engage students of all ages in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and create new pathways that ensure enough students enrol in higher education courses, such as engineering, to address these skills shortfalls.

Examples of these projects include the newly funded Collaborative Research Network projects examining innovative ways to use Remote Access Labs in engineering education.

The Contextu-RAL project is examining pedagogical applications and possibilities for RAL technology), whilst

the Virtu-RAL project is examining ways in which 3D immersive laboratories can be used as an effective tertiary teaching tool?

Other examples such as Robot Rally demonstrate how RAL can also be used for non technical learning outcomes across faculties and institutions.

For further information about RAL and the research program, please contact the RAL Academic Coordinator through remotelabs@usq.edu.au