RWSL

The Remote Web-based Science Laboratory (RWSL) provided students and educators access to high-quality online labs in real time, both from home or in the classroom.

Project Dates: 2004 – June 2018

Students Hired: 3

[Schools are] still not using equipment that’s this high end, even in face-to-face experiments, because schools can’t justify the expenditure for a piece of equipment they may only use once or twice a year, whereas the RWSL allows us to use it every week of the year.

PJ Bennet
NANSLO Lab Technology Manager

Project Summary

The Remote Web-based Science Laboratory (RWSL) provided students and educators access to high-quality online labs in real time, both from home or in the classroom, when most convenient for them. Students could view and control many types of equipment, including microscopes with camera and auto loaders, spectrometers with varying light sources and autoloaders, and air tracks/sleds.

The remotely-accessible scientific equipment was available through RWSL removed barriers to lab availability and to provided students with equal access to high quality scientific experiences.

RWSL has been recognized internationally, winning silver at the World Federal of Colleges and Polytechnics Awards of Excellence in 2016 and placing second at the Wharton School of Business’ Reimagine Education Awards in 2014.

Project Brochure

Research Team

Albert Balbon, RWSL Developer

Albert Balbon has pioneered distance education delivery at North Island College for over 30 years. In 2002, Albert and Ron Evans created a system to allow distance astronomy students to explore the universe from the comfort of home using a remote telescope. That technology paved the way for development of the RWSL in 2004.