Learning Situations and Remote Labs in Embedded System Education Raivo Sell Tallinn University of Technology / ITT Group Tallinn, Estonia raivo@robolabor.ee Sven Seiler it:matters Bochum, Germany sven@seiler.it Abstract— The paper presents an innovative concept of teaching and learning of embedded systems and mechatronics. On the frame of project NetLab, new learning situations are transferred, developed and applied into practice in Estonia, Germany and Finland. In addition, remote lab centers are established to allow remote access to different types of hardware needed to carry out learning situations. Also project and collaboration oriented e- platform - eRoom is developed and shortly presented in this paper. Feedback studies shows good results of applying the technology enhanced learning for embedded system education and developed solution is offering great concept and tools for it. Keywords- remote lab; learning situation; e-learning; robotics, embedded systems, mechatronics I. INTRODUCTION Embedded systems are in everyday life and there is a frantic need of well-educated developers, operators and programmers in this field. Embedded systems as a field itself is in a big change because the borders of pure ICT and embedded system are fusing and according to this process the skilled workforce is even more needed, with focus on both sub- domains. It is important that ICT education will become more and more to real systems education, instead of just computer software development (in most universities and vocational schools curricula these two domains are still separated). This research and solution presented in the paper addresses to the lack of skilled worker in ICT, by building bridge for simple and logical study process for using ICT for controlling and understanding real word processes and situations. The trend shows constant growth of the gap between industry need and available skilled workforce, especially due the rise of Asian manufacturers and engineers and competition with Europe. Several studies as well as development plans in Europe [1, 2] point out that the engineering fields are not the first choice of young people, however the engineering skills and ICT field itself are one of the key knowledge of European including Estonian economy growth in a long perspective. The aim of this work is to contribute to raising the levels of understanding of ICT and embedded systems for different educational levels like university level and Vocational Education and Training (VET) level as well as continuous education of professional workers in a broad field of engineering domains. Transfer of innovation between different developments in Europe is a key factor for easy and effective development in engineering education. In the solution described in this paper, an innovative study concept - Learning Situation Concept (LSC) [3] is transferred from Germany to the Nordic/Baltic European region (mainly Estonia, but also to Finland and Sweden), by adopting the product to Estonian needs and bringing them to the Internet learning environment. The main outcomes of the work are adopted “Learning Situations” which can be used either in a conventional learning environment or through distance learning in e-environment. Practical aids for ICT and embedded system study, for university, VET and continuous education are supported by the universal e-platform with direct links to industrial needs. The long term outcomes involve raising the competence of new and practicing engineers through contemporary learning tools and methods. This will lead to the development of significant improvements within VET and place European technology oriented SME companies in a better position for global competition. The consortium includes a university, vocational schools, SMEs and other stakeholders. II. LEARNING SITUATIONS A. Learning situation Learning Situations (LS) are guidelines for teachers and students for acquiring integrated knowledge through practical learning processes. By applying learning situations in the study process, conventional lessons are not necessary any more. The study process will be rearranged into the modules which are covering the certain knowledge and activities required for the knowledge acquisition defined in the learning situation and study domain. The learning situation focuses on the vocational knowledge and skills needed for certain profession by adapting the study process and structure based situation analyses and solution synthesis. In most cases the study process is project based learning and group work. The evaluation of results is guided by the vocational standard skills and knowledge definition for selected profession. The Learning Situations developed within the framework are based upon integrating different domains such as mechanics, robotics, electronics, ICT, programming, etc, which are contains of the fundamental nature and expected knowledge of embedded systems. The LS consist of a teaching