Assessment Methods for Comparison of On-Camps and Distance Learning Laboratory Courses in an Engineering Technology Program

Assessment methodology and results for two Electrical Engineering Technology laboratory courses are shown. In these cases, courses are offered in both the traditional on- campus and non-traditional distance learning format, assessment methods are prescribed, assessment data are taken, and the results compiled and compared. Student comments are included which also support the assessment data. In addition, this paper describes ways in which the laboratory courses are structured in order to make the assessment process easier to manage. Pedagogical issues are addressed that were encountered when constructing the distance learning laboratory courses to assure that the learning experience could equal or exceed that of the on- campus counterparts

Automation Laboratory Development Focusing on Industrial Hands-on Experience, Simulation Software, and Application Research Projects

This paper describes the development of an Automation Control Lab in the Department of Engineering Technology at the University. The lab facility includes pneumatic actuators/sensors, electrical relays/switches, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The major goal of the development is to help students gain hands-on industrial experience by conducting simple projects during the lecture hours and more advanced projects during the lab hours. Simulation software is also applied to reduce implementation time when developing complicated pneumatic circuits and PLC programs. In addition, three examples of industrial automation projects using PLC from the Technology Application Center (TAC) are also introduced to students to enhance their knowledge of automation controls. Performance assessment is conducted for this development

The Administration of Senior Design Projects in a Distance Learning Environment

A method for administering a senior level capstone design course in Electrical Engineering Technology in a distance learning environment is described. Several avenues are explored that help the students successfully conceive, develop, and present their design projects from off- campus locations that are consistent with the requirements placed upon their on-campus peers. Several problems that are unique to offering a senior project course in a distance learning environment are explored and solutions are described

Designing a Microcontroller Training Platform for Active Distance Learning Engineering and Technology Students

This is an active distance-learning project that addresses the hands-on microprocessor/ mi-crocontroller-related courses. A research team designed a low-cost training system with supporting instructional materials to assist the teaching of these concepts. Individual laboratory activities are being developed to reinforce student learning and skill development in programming concepts. This basic system format eventually will support an array of engineering and technology courses. This project involves two community colleges, Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) and Olympic College (OC), and a four-year university, Old Dominion University (ODU), in a collaborative research team to design and develop a specific PIC microcontroller training system with custom-designed software and curriculum materials to support related engineering technology courses. The functions of the hardware and software cover different areas of engineering technology courses and majors to maximize the use of the microcon- troller training system

Programmable Logic Controllers: Programming Methods and Applications

Programmable Logic Controllers provides the student with a general working knowledge of the various PLC brands and models. Programming concepts applicable to virtually all controllers are discussed, and practical programming problems are presented throughout the text. A basic understanding of AC/DC circuits, electronic devices (including thyristors), basic logic gates, flip-flops, Boolean algebra, and college algebra and trigonometry is a prerequisite. The PLC simulation CD that accompanies the text provides hands-on programming experience.https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/engtech_books/1002/thumbnail.jp