Labwork is usually seen as an essential element in engineering and science education. One, of the many purposes, with labwork is to strengthen, develop and deepen students' understanding of real phenomena (i.e., objects and events) and the connection between real phenomena and theoretical models and theories. Another main purpose of lab work is to develop students' abilities to collaborate in experiments and empirically investigate and describe technical systems, natural and technical objects, and natural and artificial phenomena.

In connection with distance learning, it is in general a challenge to design labwork ina good way so that the intended learning outcomes mentioned previously are achieved. This does not only apply specifically to the situation with “forced distance teaching” that has arisen in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, but generally applies to all kinds of “off campus” teaching and learning.

I have carried out a comprehensive exploratory review of what is reported in the science and engineering education research literature regarding laboratory work conducted as distance labs or as home labs. In my paper I will present initial results from my literature review. I have found that there is, indeed, a quite substantial literature describing remote labs and online labs. However, with few exceptions, the literature is mainly focused on the technical aspects of remote labwork and less on the pedagogical aspects. In addition to various forms of "online" labs and remotely controlled labs, I will highlight different forms of home labs and labs with low-cost equipment as an interesting option.