Hands-on Learning in Multiple Courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering

It has been reported that persistence rate of engineering students is relatively low. Several new pedagogical paradigms have been proposed to improve engineering education, such as the use of “hands-on” tools to change the learning style in the engineering classroom to more engaging teaching pedagogies. An approach that is being used to engage and retain electrical and computer engineering students is the Analog Discovery board (ADB). The paper describes the hands-on learning experiences of students who used the ADB in multiple courses. The paper discusses (i) the various laboratory experiments and class projects performed by the students, (ii) the knowledge and skills learnt by the students and (iii) the lessons learnt by the instructors while introducing ADB into freshman and junior level courses in the electrical and computer engineering. Preliminary data indicate that students are benefiting from the use of the ADB. Students report increases in their interest in subject content, motivation to learn, and confidence in their ability to learn.Cockrell School of Engineerin

Event Resources: e-Learning 2009: A Hands-on Workshop

ESCalate workshop to help HE and FE practitioners to use a range of e-learning applications

An Evaluation of eScience Lab Kits for Online Learning

Higher education online science courses generally lack the hands-on components essential in understanding theories, methods, and techniques in chemistry and biology. Companies like eScience Labs construct kits to facilitate online learning, which provide students with hands-on activities relevant to their science courses. In order to evaluate ease, efficacy, and comprehension of the forensic science kits by eScience Labs was completed while writing observations of the activities during and after completion; the lab manual learning objectives were compared to results of activities and two stopwatches took elapsed time of each activity to compare with the stated times in the kit manual. This method determined that the eScience manual does not provide enough information for a college freshman to fully understand the topic; however, combining these labs with professor provided online lectures would allow full comprehension of the forensic science applications or techniques. Recommendations to obtain maximum learning outcomes include requiring the completion of prerequisites like algebra and general chemistry. With these aspects combined, the eScience lab kit is a great addition to an introductory forensic science course as it provides safe and interactive hands-on activities

"Sticky Hands": learning and generalization for cooperative physical interactions with a humanoid robot

"Sticky Hands" is a physical game for two people involving gentle contact with the hands. The aim is to develop relaxed and elegant motion together, achieve physical sensitivity-improving reactions, and experience an interaction at an intimate yet comfortable level for spiritual development and physical relaxation. We developed a control system for a humanoid robot allowing it to play Sticky Hands with a human partner. We present a real implementation including a physical system, robot control, and a motion learning algorithm based on a generalizable intelligent system capable itself of generalizing observed trajectories' translation, orientation, scale and velocity to new data, operating with scalable speed and storage efficiency bounds, and coping with contact trajectories that evolve over time. Our robot control is capable of physical cooperation in a force domain, using minimal sensor input. We analyze robot-human interaction and relate characteristics of our motion learning algorithm with recorded motion profiles. We discuss our results in the context of realistic motion generation and present a theoretical discussion of stylistic and affective motion generation based on, and motivating cross-disciplinary research in computer graphics, human motion production and motion perception

Making the Connection: Reinforcing Hands-on Learning Through Hands-on Writing

Traditionally, the goal of experiential learning is to allow students to learn through hands-on experience. Recently, suitable assessment and evaluation techniques of students in online learning environments have garnered a great deal of attention as to best practices in experiential learning based courses. This study analyzes assessment and evaluation of student learning in an undergraduate-level Pocket PC course, centred on experiential learning in an online learning environment. This study will (1) identify hands-on activities that can be implemented in an experiential learning environment; (2) examine the effectiveness of assessment tools; and (3) examine student perceptions of course activities.Traditionally, the goal of experiential learning is to allow students to learn through hands-on experience. Recently, suitable assessment and evaluation techniques of students in online learning environments have garnered a great deal of attention as to best practices in experiential learning based courses. This study analyzes assessment and evaluation of student learning in an undergraduate-level Pocket PC course, centred on experiential learning in an online learning environment. This study will (1) identify hands-on activities that can be implemented in an experiential learning environment; (2) examine the effectiveness of assessment tools; and (3) examine student perceptions of course activities

Development of interactive and remote learning instruments for engineering education

Many educators have argued for and against the use of remote aids in support of student learning. Some proponents argue that only remote laboratories should be used whereas others argue for the requirement for hands on experience with associated tactical, visual and auditory learning experiences. In this paper we present the methodology for developing a middle ground Virtual Instruments that can be used as a complement learning aid to the hands on laboratory and also if necessary, with added features, can be used as a remote version of the laboratory

Electro-Pneumatic Wiring Software for Distance-Learning Students in Automation Control Laboratories

When teaching electro-pneumatic circuits in the automation control class for a distance-learning program, one of the main issues is how to provide hands-on experience for students. In most cases, they can only use simulation design software and watch videos solving laboratory problems without access to the actual equipment. In this paper, the authors developed an electrical wiring software and assembly platform which can help students enhance their hands-on experience when taking the course online. Results show that the performance between on-campus students and distance-learning (DL) students are very similar.Cockrell School of Engineerin