An Educational plant based on the Quadruple-tank process

7TH IFAC SYMPOSIUM ON ADVANCES IN CONTROL. 21/06/2006. MADRIDThis paper presents an experimental tank system developed at the University ofSeville for process control education. This plant is based on the well known quadruple-tank process and some modifications have been done in order to obtain a wide rangeof applications. The quadruple tank process is a multivariable laboratory plant of inter-connected tanks that can be easily configured to exhibit the effect of multivariable zero(minimum and non-minimum phase) on the system behavior, as well as the effect of nonlinear dynamics, saturation, constraints, etc.In the real plant implementation, the original structure of the process has been modifiedto offer a wide variety of uses for both educational and research purposes.Thus, differentplants can be configured such as one single tank, two or three cascaded tanks, a mixtureprocess and hybrid dynamics. Moreover the dynamics parameters of each tank can be setup by tuning the cross-section of the outlet hole of the tank. Furthermore, the real plant hasbeen implemented using industrial instrumentation and a PLC for the low level control.Supervision and control of the plant is carried out in a computer by means of OPC (Olefor Process Control) which allows one to connect the plant with a wide range of controlprograms such as LabView, Matlab or industrial SCADA.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología DPI 2004-0744

INDIGEGOGY: A Transformative Indigenous Educational Process

Social work training programs have not been able to keep step with the needs of Indigenous people since the advent of the profession. As former agents of government assimilation, social workers now find themselves in difficult positions where they are unable to help Indigenous people, despite their best intentions. Indigenous Social Work Education has become a necessary response to the growing needs of Indigenous people, and increasing social problems in Canada. Furthermore, Indigenous people who practice Indigenous social work have become vital to the survival of Indigenous people and their communities. The teaching and practice of Indigenized, social work education has become a strong presence in the reclamation of indigenous identity. A decolonized peda- gogy such as the one presented in the case study of the Aboriginal Field of Study (AFS) at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) affirms indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing and places control and ownership of helping practices firmly in the hands of Indigenous people. The case study outlines four critical elements of the AFS: Elder-in-Residence, Circle Pedagogy, Wholistic Evaluation and Culture Camp that are used to guide Master of Social Work (MSW) students on how to develop a Wholistic Healing Practice framework

Tigger paper : integration

The process of architecture will always be holistic. As long as it is taught in segments, its educational structure will always run the risk of failing to meet this primary educational aim, and be continually shooting itself in the foot. The pedagogical and professional advantage to breaking the perceived lack of integration between studio and subject classes is I believe a fundamental imperative, to recognise that every part of the architectural process is not in contradiction but has equal value, and to realise the added value that integration would bring to all parts of the educational process, to staff and student alike

An educational tool to assist the design process of switched reluctance machines

The design of electric machines is a hot topic in the syllabuses of several undergraduate and graduate courses. With the development of hybrid and electrical vehicles, this subject is gaining more popularity, especially in electrical engineering courses. This paper presents a computeraided educational tool to guide engineering students in the design process of a switched reluctance machine (SRM). A step-by-step design procedure is detailed and a user guide interface (GUI) programmed in the Matlab® environment developed for this purpose is shown. This GUI has been proved a useful tool to help the students to validate the results obtained in their lecture assignments, while aiding to achieve a better understanding of the design process of electric machines. A validation of the educational tool is done by means of finite element method (FEM) simulations.Postprint (author's final draft

Electronic Social Networks as Supporting Means of Educational Process in Higher Education Institutions

Given research describes experience of electronic social networks use in educational practices. It was determined that electronic social networks can be a powerful tool for support of educational process in higher education institutions, namely to support study of different disciplines. There are main advantages of electronic social networks use for education: universal accessibility and free of charge; possibility of instant messaging and multimedia data; user-friendly intuitive interface; ability to search data and information; availability of event scheduling, invitations, reminder settings; support for synchronous and asynchronous communication between network members; access from different devices. It is emphasized that one of the main advantages of electronic social networks is receipt of quick feedback and convenience of their tools and services. Nowadays, it is important to include network educational interaction in existing models of study organization. It is advisable to use electronic social networks to manage educational process in higher education institution. Efficiency of electronic social networks use depends on intensity and need for their use in educational system management for implementation of organizational, educational, psychological and pedagogical functions and ensuring universal communication with subjects of educational process. Expediency of electronic social networks use to carry out research work at university is described. Electronic social networks are convenient tool to conduct surveys and questionnaires, to create thematic groups for specific issue discussion. Also it is possible to interact with researchers from different countries, share experiences and disseminate research findings, invite those who wish to participate in various scientific activities using these networks