Using the ILN

The ILN brings together scientific instrumentation and a variety of Internet-based instructional packages. Used together as part of a network, these tools allow the direct exchange of information, data, access to expertise, and classroom material over the Internet.

The ILN allows students and researchers to operate instruments located at different locations around campus from any Internet-equipped computer. In the future, students working at home or in computer labs will be able to conduct experiments on laboratory instruments and to analyze data that otherwise would be "off limits" once the lab door closes. This 24/7 access will allow more students to be trained on and to use these instruments. This has lead to the development of new teaching strategies and greater collaborative opportunities both within and outside the university.

Contrasting Approaches to Lab Use

The Conventional Approach		The ILN Approach
Operation taught in lab		Operation taught in lab and lecture
Prepare one sample		Prepare multiple samples
Wait in line, run one sample		Automated sample introduction during off-peak hours
Recieve printout		Data transferred to server
Analysis by hand		Remote in-depth analysis with sophisticated instrument software
Individual, hand-written notebooks		Integrated assessment and on-line record keeping.

Although still in the early stages of development, the ILN has already changed the way in which instrument-based science can be taught. A number of challenges remain to the future development and expansion of the ILN. Instructors must be trained to use the range of scientific instruments now available through the ILN, and students must be trained to use the data analysis software. The ILN working group is currently developing strategies to address these challenges.

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