Integrating Lab-size Automation Plants into a Web-based E-learning Environment for Teaching C Programming in Teams

Teaching computer science and particularly programming in the curriculum of a mechanical engineering bachelor poses a difficult task due to motivational factors of the students. In this paper we describe the measures we have taken to reduce barriers and motivate the freshmen students to deal with the subject by introduction of an e-learning course and further by offering an associated lab course with practical application of cyclic programming of a real-time system in teams. Further we present an adapted architecture how the lab course is enhanced to act as a remote lab. Finally we evaluate the impact of the course by measuring the success factors of different gender combined groups and give an outlook on future scenarios for lab courses to improve the learning experience and success of the students for both gender.