How NI Software Supports Hands-On Engineering Education

kristielAll Topics, Engineering Education, STEM Education

How NI Software Supports Hands-On Engineering Education

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Quick Summary: The NI LabVIEW Academic Volume License (AVL) is a scalable, campus-wide, education-focused subscription that gives high schools, technical programs, colleges, and universities access to NI software, including LabVIEW Professional and more than 20 additional engineering tools. Beyond software, NI AVL includes curriculum resources, training, and industry-recognized certifications such as CLAD that help educators deliver hands-on, career-ready learning.

Teaching Engineering Beyond the Textbook

NI Software LabVIEW Academic Volume License (AVL)STEM education has evolved. Today’s students are expected to graduate with practical skills, not just theoretical knowledge. That means working with the same NI software, such as LabVIEW, used by engineers in industry, research, and advanced manufacturing.

The NI LabVIEW Academic Volume License was designed specifically for education, making it easier for schools to deploy professional engineering software across classrooms, labs, and even entire campuses. Whether you’re introducing high school students to engineering fundamentals or supporting advanced university research, NI AVL removes licensing barriers and simplifies access for both educators and learners.

NI Software for High Schools

Introducing professional engineering tools at the high school level gives students a powerful head start. With NI software for education, the LabVIEW Academic Volume License allows learners to gain early exposure to real-world workflows, while teachers benefit from structured resources that make implementation manageable.

Key Benefits for High Schools

Access to the Full LabVIEW Ecosystem

Students work with professional-grade tools such as LabVIEW Professional, TestStand, and FlexLogger, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real engineering applications.

Curriculum-Ready Resources

Prebuilt lessons and teaching materials that help educators integrate NI software without starting from scratch.

✅ On-Demand Training for Teachers and Students

Unlimited self-paced learning supports skill development anytime, inside or outside the classroom.

Student Install Option (SIO)

Students can install NI software on personal devices, encouraging continued learning beyond school hours.

Simplified Licensing and IT Deployment

One subscription supports multiple classrooms, reducing administrative overhead.

💡 Outcome: Students graduate with confidence using industry-standard engineering software, and a clearer path toward STEM degrees or technical careers.

NI Software for Higher Education

At the postsecondary level, the NI Academic Volume License supports instruction, laboratory work, and research across engineering disciplines. Faculty gain flexibility, while students develop job-ready skills that translate directly to industry and graduate studies.

Key Benefits for Colleges, Universities, and Technical Programs

✅ Comprehensive NI Software Suite

Includes LabVIEW Pro, DIAdem, G Web Development, TestStand, FlexLogger, and more.

✅ Education Services Credits (ESCs)

Credits can be applied toward faculty training, student workshops, or certification exams.

✅ Department-Wide Standardization

AVL simplifies software access across programs such as electrical engineering, robotics, automation, and controls.

 Scalable Licensing Options

From small lab deployments to campus-wide access, AVL grows with your program.

💡 Outcome: Students graduate workforce-ready, with hands-on experience using tools trusted by employers worldwide.

Case Study: Modernizing Engineering Education with NI Software

From Undergrad to Engineer: Tsinghua University Uses NI Tools to Prepare Engineering Students for the Global WorkforceWhen evaluating new teaching tools, educators often look to proven success stories. One such example comes from Tsinghua University in Beijing, consistently ranked among the world’s leading engineering institutions.

To better prepare students for a rapidly changing industrial landscape, Tsinghua integrated NI software, including LabVIEW, across multiple engineering courses.

“The result was to pair an inventive approach to teaching with a fun and friendly environment to grow and innovate. The impact extended beyond undergraduate education, creating a pipeline of students prepared for advanced research in areas such as IoT and cyber-physical systems, all developed using LabVIEW and the NI platform.”

Dr. Mingguo Zhao, Department of Automation, Robotics, Tsinghua University

By introducing NI tools, like LabVIEW and Multisim, early and reinforcing them through project-based learning, students developed hands-on experience in robotics, controls, and electronics, skills that translated directly into research and competition success.

💡 Educator Takeaway: NI software can unify curriculum across courses while building a consistent, skills-based learning experience from day one. Read the full case study.

Case Study: Advanced Research Powered by NI LabVIEW

Implementing an Artificial Neural Network Using National Instruments LabVIEWAt Cardiff University’s School of Engineering, NI LabVIEW played a key role in advanced research involving artificial neural networks (ANNs) for predicting magnetic properties in manufacturing applications.

“The ANN software depended on easy integration with LabVIEW. We needed to develop the tool in a way that allowed the compiled code to be distributed freely to users.”

Dr. Michael Packianather, Manufacturing Engineering Centre, Cardiff University

Using LabVIEW, the research team developed a custom ANN tool that delivered faster execution and easier deployment than comparable commercial solutions.

💡 Educator Takeaway: LabVIEW provides a powerful, flexible platform for both teaching and research, allowing students to engage with real engineering challenges using professional tools. Read the full case study.

How the NI Academic Volume License Supports Students

While AVL simplifies life for educators and IT teams, its greatest impact is on students. Access to NI software, training, and certifications helps learners build skills that carry real-world value.

✅ Develop hands-on experience with industry-standard engineering tools

✅ Prepare for certifications like Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD)

✅ Participate in collaborative, project-based learning

✅ Earn credentials recognized by employers worldwide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NI Academic Volume License (AVL)?

A subscription that provides educational institutions with access to NI software, curriculum materials, training resources, and certification pathways.

Who is eligible to purchase NI AVL?

Accredited K–12 schools, technical programs, colleges, and universities.

What NI software is included?

LabVIEW Professional plus more than 20 additional NI tools, including TestStand, FlexLogger, G Web Development, DIAdem, and OPC UA.

Can students install NI software at home?

Yes. The Student Install Option allows students to download and use software on personal devices.

How is pricing structured?

Pricing depends on license size and whether the subscription is new or a renewal. Larger deployments typically receive greater discounts.

What are Education Services Credits (ESCs)?

Credits that can be used for instructor training, certifications, and professional development workshops.

What is CLAD certification?

The Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) credential validates foundational LabVIEW skills and is widely recognized by employers.

Bring NI Software to Your Classroom

The NI LabVIEW Academic Volume License equips educators with the tools, training, and flexibility needed to deliver meaningful, hands-on engineering education under one streamlined subscription.

👉 Contact Studica or request a quote today to bring the NI LabVIEW Academic Volume License to your school, college, or university.

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