Integration of Distance Learning Technology into Traditional Engineering Physical Laboratory Exercises

This paper was published in the Proc. of the ASEE SE Section Regional Conference. The use of distance learning technology in distributed educational environments has allowed engineering courses to be delivered to locations and populations that have historically not been afforded opportunities for involvement. However, efforts to incorporate distance-learning principles into physical laboratory exercises have not led to a general mechanism or procedure for performing physical labs remotely. Removing these exercises from the course is not a satisfactory solution since physical laboratory exercises are a vital component of any educational curriculum in virtually every major field of engineering. Recently, faculty members from three universities in south Georgia have teamed up to collaboratively develop an innovative approach to integrate distance learning technology into traditional engineering physical laboratory exercises. An overview of this project and findings related to its initial phase are presented in this paper

VIEW – A Virtual Interactive Web-Based Learning Environment for Engineering

The use of computer-aided and web-based educational technologies such as Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) has increased significantly in the recent past. One example of such a VLE is Virtual Interactive Engineering on the Web (VIEW). VIEW is a 3D virtual, interactive, student-centered, framework of web-based modules based on the Extensible 3D standard. These modules are dedicated to the improvement of student success and learning. In this paper, an overview of the recent developments in VIEW along with associated assessment results is presented. An experimental study was also performed to compare the learning experience and performance of students in a physical dissection activity vs. that in a virtual dissection activity using a VIEW module. The results of this study show that students can meet given learning objectives and that there is limited difference in their learning and performance irrespective of a physical or virtual setting

A Different View: Virtual Interactive Engineering on the Web

Virtual laboratories and modules are used in most universities to reinforce concepts from lecture material, provide exposure to practical issues associated with experiments and present visual, realistic applications of theoretical concepts. In addition, interactive simulations and virtual environments can play a significant role in facilitating learning through engagement, immediate feedback and in creating real-world scenarios. This work presents the initial phase in the development of a set of Web based virtual laboratories and modules - Virtual Interactive Engineering on the Web (VIEW). A Virtual Tensile Testing Laboratory (VTTL) is developed to be used as a supplement in the course: Introduction to Engineering Materials. The main objective of this laboratory is to introduce students to the testing techniques required to determine mechanical properties of materials such as elastic modulus, yield strength, ductility, and toughness

A VIEW on Mechanical Dissection for Freshmen Engineering

Mechanical dissection is an engineering activity that can satisfy a student’s curiosity of how and why the components of a given device can convey specific motions to achieve a desired result. Hence, several university engineering programs have developed mechanical dissection laboratories. However, such laboratories are not always feasible due to the lack of space, personnel, time and high costs. An emerging trend to address this issue is to use multi-media technology to replace/supplement physical laboratories. The objective of this work is to develop the second phase of VIEW (Virtual Interactive Engineering on the Web) which is a virtual mechanical dissection module. Virtual dissection implemented in VIEW requires only the use of existing computer laboratories. This module is used as a supplement in the course: Introduction to Engineering. Further details including assessment results which indicate that the module was well received by students are discussed in the paper

Interactive 3D Web-Based Environments for Online Learning: Case Studies, Technologies and Challenges

Interactive simulations and virtual environments can play a significant role in facilitating learning through engagement, immediate feedback and by providing real-world contexts. Interactive 3D interfaces have a significant impact on the user interface usability and interactivity. We present several case-studies that have evolved from actual teaching observations and have been implemented using undergraduate and graduate student research teams. The development of such simulators poses multidisciplinary research challenges and has the advantage of bringing together a diverse group of people with complementary expertise. We present case studies covering engineering, medical sciences, physics and chemistry