Use of the SMARTLAB remote laboratory as a strategy for the development of the practical component in engineering

The text presents the implementation of the SmartLab remote laboratory as a pedagogical innovation strategy aimed at strengthening the practical component in engineering programs at the Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia. The experience is marked by the evolution of traditional laboratories towards remote environments, pushed by the development of information and communication technologies and by the need to guarantee academic continuity in distance and virtual education contexts. The proposal describes a technological solution supported in a web environment that allows students to access real equipment and practice scenarios remotely, flexibly and in multiple platforms, without restrictions of place, time or type of device. The SmartLab laboratory is articulated with courses in electronic engineering, telecommunications, networks, Internet of things and information security, incorporating them to certified curricula and international standards. Methodologically, the experience promotes autonomous, collaborative and meaningful learning through the programmed reservation of resources, automation of practices, simulation and the use of digital evidence for evaluation. The reported results show high levels of use, student acceptance, optimization of institutional resources and reduction of implementation and maintenance costs, as well as external recognition of the strategy as a case of technological innovation in distance higher education.