The roles of teachers and students are changing, and there are undoubtedly ways of learning not yet discovered. However, the computer and software technology may provide a significant role to identify the problems, to present solutions and life-long learning. It is clear that the computer based educational technology has reached the point where many major improvements can be made, and significant cost reductions can be achieved, specifically in the area of Science education. In science, the full-course (lecture . laboratory component) may replace the existing lecture-based courses, and the virtual instruments may provide a highly interactive user interface and advanced analysis facilities that were not deliverable in the conventional methods. The user-friendly GUI may provide a better scientific picture of the system under test. Moreover, using distance learning may attract new students and add value to education. Equipping the laboratories with effective education tools can empower both the disciplines and the students. Hence, the effectiveness of the laboratory course in imparting knowledge increases and it enables the students to absorb the role of individual science disciplines and addresses the real problems. It is clear that change is necessary because many of the things that we are doing can be done better with the help of technology. Although the initial cost may be high, if the right technology is selected continuous improvement can be achieved with minimal cost. The cost of the development may be reduced further if the portion of the existing hardware is utilized and integrated with the existing system. If the size and the complexity of the system increase, organizations and universities may undertake laboratory developments in partnership with other universities and/or commercial partners.
">The roles of teachers and students are changing, and there are undoubtedly ways of learning not yet discovered. However, the computer and software technology may provide a significant role to identify the problems, to present solutions and life-long learning. It is clear that the computer based educational technology has reached the point where many major improvements can be made, and significant cost reductions can be achieved, specifically in the area of Science education. In science, the full-course (lecture . laboratory component) may replace the existing lecture-based courses, and the virtual instruments may provide a highly interactive user interface and advanced analysis facilities that were not deliverable in the conventional methods. The user-friendly GUI may provide a better scientific picture of the system under test. Moreover, using distance learning may attract new students and add value to education. Equipping the laboratories with effective education tools can empower both the disciplines and the students. Hence, the effectiveness of the laboratory course in imparting knowledge increases and it enables the students to absorb the role of individual science disciplines and addresses the real problems. It is clear that change is necessary because many of the things that we are doing can be done better with the help of technology. Although the initial cost may be high, if the right technology is selected continuous improvement can be achieved with minimal cost. The cost of the development may be reduced further if the portion of the existing hardware is utilized and integrated with the existing system. If the size and the complexity of the system increase, organizations and universities may undertake laboratory developments in partnership with other universities and/or commercial partners.