Effectiveness of Using Remote Laboratory in Promoting Simulation and Verification Tools

The transition to remote learning during the pandemic has necessitated the development of new methods for conducting hands-on experiments. One significant challenge in this transition has been providing students with reliable and sustainable access to necessary hardware components, particularly for courses that require substantial equipment. Additionally, industry partners have high expectations for students to be proficient in simulation and verification tools. To address these challenges, we implemented a virtual breadboard feature that allows students to remotely access Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware and complete lab assignments. Our evaluation of this approach, which included surveys of students and industry partners, revealed that it effectively transformed a traditionally in-person lab assignment into an online modality. Furthermore, this paper presents the perspective of industry professionals on verification and simulation tools as a highly desirable skill in the industry, a skill that remote labs tend to emphasize which makes remote labs a viable educational solution that can continue to be utilized even after the pandemic.