Virtual Laboratory Works in Technology Education: Advantages and “Pitfalls”

The improvement of methods and software for modelling devices, processes and phenomena leads to a rapid extension of their application area not only in engineering but also in education. Replacing a real lab works with their tools, installations and equipment by their virtual substitutions, draws students away from the world of technology; this does not contribute to the formation of the skills necessary for organizing and conducting a real live experiment. The article discusses a way to reduce such damage by modeling not only the functions of devices and equipment, but also the process of assembling the correct installation. Unfortunately, the Lab VIEW graphic capabilities are insufficient for developing such kind of virtual laboratory work, especially with reference to the disciplines of the "Microwave technologies and antennas" course. The considered laboratory work developed by authors in Delphi7 differs from the typical virtual labs primarily in the way the student should perform it. He must assemble a proper test stand on his own: take all the needed parts from the warehouse, connect them correctly using coaxial, cords or waveguides, and also set up instruments and equipment, i.e. adjust the polarization of the radiation field, tune in the generators and amplifiers. And, of course, all this is being done with a mouse, rotating the simulated knobs, pressing the simulated switches and so on. Such a lab work becomes actually a kind of training apparatus, strengthening not only the student’s knowledge of a specific topic, but also his/her practical skills in organizing and conducting experiments. Finally, some additional improvements are mentioned.