Adaptation of the Electric Machines Learning Process to the European Higher, Education Area

In this paper the basic lines of a complete teaching methodology that has been developed to adaptthe electric machines learning process to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) arepresented. New teaching materials that are specific to Electric Machines have been created(textbooks, self-learning e-books, guidelines for achieving teamwork research, etc.). Working ingroups has been promoted, as well as problem solving and self-learning exercises, all of which areevaluated in a way that encourages students' participation. Finally, the students' learning process inthe lab has been improved by the development both of a new methodology to follow in the lab andnew workbenches with industrial machines that are easier to use and also enable the labexperiments to be automated. Finally, the first results obtained as a result of applying the proposedmethodology are presented

A Thermal Time-Constant Experiment

A simple experiment, well suited for an undergraduate course in mechatronics, is described in which thermal time-constant information is extracted from a heater-blower table-top system. In the experiment, a thermistor measures the temperature of a resistive-heater that is cooled by a blower and a microcontroller is used for data acquisition. The student is asked to determine the thermal time response, and in particular the thermal time-constant of the system, for different blower speeds. The experiment prompts questions about modeling a thermal system, and exposes the student to basic concepts of mechatronics including measurement and data analysis

An experimental setup for modelling, simulation and fast prototyping of mechanical arms

Abstract This work presents some results on a fast prototyping system used to model, simulate and control a planar manipulator at the Robotics Laboratory of the Politecnico di Torino. A unique environment allows to perform the entire range of procedures. A Host-Target architecture based on a PC-DSP link has been used for two basic advantages: simplicity of use, thanks to the well known PC environment hosting Matlab; real-time constraints fulfillment thanks to an independent hardware and software, devoted exclusively to the control function. Using the same Matlab environment, various experimental tests and data analysis have been performed, to determine a good model for friction phenomena. On the basis of such a model a simulator has been built, and nonlinear control laws have been tested

Beyond ECDL: basic and advanced IT skills for the new library professional

This paper reports on a new multimedia-centred ICT module, called Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) for Postgraduate Information and Library Studies students at the Graduate School of Informatics at Strathclyde University. It had radical aims (introducing novel ICT skill content in a progressive manner, encouraging deep learning and self-directed study) and used a weekly survey and a post-module survey to investigate its operation. Skills learnt were compared to skills required during student placement in libraries. Conclusions are drawn as to its success in matching the needs of future library professionals