1. Ratatat Project Report Tony Toole 19 th October 2009

2. Aims and Objectives The broad aim of the Ratatat project is to create an online learning environment that allows vocational and work-based postgraduate learners to remotely access and carry out sophisticated practical laboratory exercises that satisfy rigorous academic requirements and standards. The project objectives are: To enable learners to gain remote desktop access to laboratory based NDT equipment and carry out a range of practical exercises. To provide real time online video and sound services for learners to interact with tutor and technician support when carrying out remote practical exercises, To create an online learning environment that integrates the remote desktop access and video and sound functionality with a range of learner support services. To test and evaluate the online systems through the delivery of four practical exercises as part of the SMU MSc in NDT&E. To disseminate the outcomes of the project and provide evidence based information for other groups looking to implement remote practical learning activities.

3. Phase 1: Project Setup

9. Phase 2: Learning Environment Design

10. Phase 3: Remote Experiment Design

11. Where we are today

12. What happens next: 1.Interim Report to JISC, 16 th November; 2.Webcam and videoconference server to be purchased; 3.Networked PCs to be set up for each NDT experiment; 4.Tests to be carried out to establish the effectiveness of remote access to NDT experimentation; 5.Tests to be carried out to establish the effectiveness of real-time video communications; 6.Online Learning Environment to be populated with support materials; 7.Trials to be carried out on complete system, outcomes evaluated and final report prepared.

13. Ratatat Project Report Discussion