Active learning in engineering needs more than paper and computer. Hands-on-training is the key to experience and understanding. By realizing ideas with a real environment mistakes as well as successes will happen. Both will also intensify the learning effect by strong emotions.

In this paper the MEXLE-system (Multimodal and EXperiment based LEarning) is presented, which is a Lab-in-a-Box tool created by students for students. This open source and modular as well as expandable system is usable at the school or university lab lectures and also as a take-home equipment for the students’ experiments at home. The currently available modules are covering the following fields:
1) basic analog electronics
2) function of discrete components
3) microcontrollers and peripherals
4) analog audio applications
5) digital audio systems

Additional applications modules are in the development process for new fields of applications:
6) basics of electrical engineering
7) power electronic applications
8) motor control
9) renewable energy system
10) basic digital electronics

The open configuration of the MEXLE-system allows a very flexible application to more fields of electrical, electronics and other engineering courses like
11) robotics
12) control and automation
13) sensor and actor systems
14) wireless networks
15) distributed systems

The concept of the MEXLE system was developed on the base of practical experiences from years of working with students and has been driven by the main topics
a) low price - fitting to students budget,
b) flexibility - one system for the whole studies
c) robustness - not a one-day toy
d) sharing - open source hardware and software, community
e) web environment - information, tutorials, applications, FAQs

The special strategy is that new modules developed in student’s projects will enrich the whole fullness of applications. Everybody is invited to take part in this common development process.

This presentation will introduce to the concepts of the MEXLE learning environment (hardware, software, learning material, community) and will summarize first experiences of its application in active learning courses.

Keywords: Student-centered learning, context and problem-based learning, project learning, active learning, Lab-in-a-Box-System, open source learning environment.