Archives for 2020

Exploring Literate Programming in Electrical Engineering Courses

Bryan A Jones ¹ , J W Bruce ² , Mahnas Jean Mohammadi-Aragh ✉ ¹

1 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA

2 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN, USA

Abstract

Knuth’s literate programming paradigm positions source code as a work of literature for which communication to a human is prioritized over communication to a computer. A primary pedagogical value of literate programming lies with the act of writing, especially good writing, leading to good thinking. Issues with early literate programming tool implementations plagued the classroom adoption of literate programming. Advances in technology have warranted a reinvestigation of the benefits of the paradigm. To complement existing inquiry of literate programming in computer programming courses, we investigate, “How can literate programming support student learning in microprocessors and digital system design courses?”

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Analysis of Aircraft Actuator Failures within an Undergraduate Experiential Learning Laboratory

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DOI: 10.18260/1-1-110.118.1153-36159

Mario Perhinschi ✉ ¹

1 Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506-6070, United States

Abstract

The design and implementation of an undergraduate laboratory is presented for the analysis of aircraft actuator failures through simulation. The laboratory was developed in the context of introducing aerospace engineering students to the practical implications of subsystem malfunctions on aircraft dynamics, performance, and control within the general framework of aircraft health management. However, the laboratory assignment can be a valuable addition to other courses in flight dynamics and controls. Advanced simulation tools are used to illustrate concepts and allow students to identify the dynamic fingerprint of aircraft actuator failures and investigate qualitatively their effects on system performance and handling qualities. The computational package relies on Matlab^® and Simulink^®. The typical aircraft aerodynamic control surfaces are targeted in the assignment: aileron, elevator, and rudder.

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Simulation and Interactive Digital Tools to Support Teaching Engineering Manufacturing Processes Course

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DOI: 10.18260/1-1-118.1153-36158

Bahaa Ansaf ¹ , Neb Jaksic ¹

1 The Engineering Department, Colorado State University-Peublo, Pueblo, CO, 81001-4901, USA

Abstract

Abstract— Introduction of Manufacturing Processes is one of the core courses in most mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and industrial engineering programs. According to students’ feedback for this course, as well as similar courses offered at different engineering programs, the course is time-intensive, involves no critical thinking, requires limited class participation, and is not well connected with real-world manufacturing problems.

The suggested teaching approach is developed to include several computer-based learning components that can help in creating an active/passive/constructive learning environment for the students. A simulation-based project is used to strengthen constructive concept-based learning and critical thinking for the students and support laboratory analysis. Besides, several online quizzes were developed using a pool of questions related to each topic.

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Promoting STEM to Middle School Girls through Coding and Fashion

Barbara L. Stewart

Professor, Human Development and Consumer Science
University of Houston
bstewart@uh.edu

Carole Goodson

Professor, Technology
University of Houston
cgoodson@uh.edu

Susan L. Miertschin

Associate Professor, Teaching, Computer Information Systems
University of Houston
smiertsch@uh.edu

Susan L. Schroeder

Lecturer, Program Manager
University of Houston
SSchroeder@uh.edu

Misha Chakraborty

Adjunct Professor
University of Houston
Prairie View A&M University

Marcella Norwood

Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Global Retailing M. S.
University of Houston

Abstract—Informal education approaches such as science camps have been used to promote interest in STEM fields for pre- college students. This paper presents the evaluation of outcomes of a computing outreach initiative targeting middle school aged girls from populations currently underrepresented in STEM. A fashion and retail themed code camp was offered free of charge through a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission and was assessed to be highly successful with respect to student and parent satisfaction. Assessment for changes in attitudes toward STEM and coding also showed positive changes. Read the full article here “Promoting STEM to Middle School Girls through Coding and Fashion”

Innovative VR-Based Research to Develop Intuitive Human Computer Interaction

Magesh, Chandramouli Computer

Graphics Technology
Purdue University Northwest,
Hammond, USA
magesh@pnw.edu

Abstract— This paper explains the design of a prototype desktop and augmented Virtual Reality (VR) framework as a medium to deliver instructional materials to the students in an introductory computer animation course. To be of use to other instructors or researchers interested in implementing a similar framework like this, the paper provides information on the hardware, software, and the concept inventory components of this framework. This framework was developed as part of a Teaching Innovation Grant at a Midwestern University to propose some cost-effective and innovative instructional frameworks to engage and stimulate students. This paper is an extended version of the paper presented at the CoED division of the ASEE conference and it presents VR modules and assessments with some modified techniques to the earlier version presented at the annual conference. This paper also shows the relevance of the methods used in the context of other STEM curriculum in addition to graphics and modeling courses. Read the full article here “Innovative VR-Based Research to Develop Intuitive Human Computer Interaction”