Archives for December 2022

Implementation of Lessons Learned to Simulation-Based Reflection in a Digital Circuits Course

Samuel J Dickerson ✉ ¹ , Renee M Clark ²

1 Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, Pittsburgh, USA

2 Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, PA, Pittsburgh, USA

Abstract

A unique method for promoting reflection among engineering students was used in the present study involving a digital circuits course. The method combined computer-based simulation for digital circuit design with reflective-thought prompts after a midterm exam for post-exam analysis and reflection. This method was first implemented in a microelectronics course using the SPICE simulator. Lessons learned from the initial implementation were applied to the digital circuits course. These lessons learned included the need to scaffold students in the use of the simulation tool for reflection, the need to balance frequency of reflection with student workload and fatigue, and question prompts that voluntarily elicit broad thought after a milestone event such as a midterm exam (versus a quiz).

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Generating a Classroom Pulse from Active Windows on Student Computers

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M Jean Mohammadiaragh ✉ ¹ , Christopher B Williams ¹

1 Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University

Abstract

With technology embedded in an increasing number of educational contexts, it is prudent to identify ways in which instructors can leverage technology to benefit their pedagogical practices. The purpose of this study was to determine if information about students’ active windows on their personal computers could provide actionable information to inform real-time instructional interventions and post-lecture reflection on practices. The active window approach mitigates issues with prior data collection methods and provides an opportunity to capture complete, real-time student computer usage without the need to install spyware. Based on observing 68 first-year engineering students and 32 second-year engineering students in large engineering lectures, we generated error rates of 4.28% with a 95% confidence interval of [2.81%, 6.04%] in a structured computer use course setting and 6.89% with [4.42%, 10.17%] in a semi-structured use setting.

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Mobile Applications to Measure Students’ Engagement in Learning

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John C Chen ¹ , David Janzen ² , Ryan Chang ³ , Karen Mcgaughey ⁴ , Jim Widmann ⁵

1 Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Software Engineering, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

2 California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

3 Outreach University of Oregon Eugene, OR, USA

4 Mechanical Engineering, Statistics California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

5 California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

Abstract

Evidence-based instruction or active learning is being more widely implemented in college teaching, and there is a need for instructors, evaluators and researchers to quantify their implementation in order to, for example, determine the efficacy of a new instructional technique. Here we introduce a new method for measuring students’ level of engagement with their learning.

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Use of Open-source Software in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering Education – Part II : Controller Implementation

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This article is the second of two-part article series discussing the use of Open Source Software in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering. View Part I in Volume 12 Issue 3

Nima Lotfi ✉ ¹ , Dave Auslander ² , Luis A. Rodriguez ³ , Kenechukwu C. Mbanisi ⁴ , Carlotta A. Berry ⁵

1 Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Department, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, United States

2 Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States

3 Mechanical Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI, United States

4 Robotics Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, United States

5 Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN, United States

Abstract

This paper is the second part of a two-part study on promoting the use of Open-Source Software (OSS) in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering (MRE) education.

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Science Teachers’ Perceptions and Attitudes towards the Integration of Digital books in their Classes

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Raed Zedan ¹

1 Advanced Learning , Academic Arab College for Education in Israel, Israel

Abstract

This qualitative research study focused on science teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the integration of digital books in elementary and junior high schools. In order to examine this subject, interviews were conducted with 138 teachers. The results emphasized the positive contribution of digital books to science teaching. The interviewees indicated that integrating this material presented a professional challenge, but listed a large number of advantages: introducing such books encouraged investigation, increased motivation, and improved learning achievements. At the same time, they had reservations and were convinced that there were also disadvantages, as some learners and teachers did not easily become accustomed to integrating digital books into lessons. An important matter raised by the teachers was the contribution made by integrating digital books to classroom climate during the lessons, thus the majority of the teachers indicated that they created a positive, comfortable, supportive, and cooperative atmosphere.

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