Designing A Visualization Based Learning Approach For Learning Engineering Drawing

The purpose of this research was to design a Visualization-based Learning Approach (VAL) in learning Engineering Drawing (ED) specifically for the topic auxiliary view (AV). The research comprises three phases, that is, (i) Phase I is to determine students’ levels of difficulties in ED topics, (ii) Phase II is to identify students’ cognitive visual levels and AV problem solving methods which is then used to develop the pattern of problem solving methods in ED among students of various cognitive visual levels; (iii) Phase III is the development of VAL. The fundamental theories used in this research are Wiley Visual Cognition Stage, Auxiliary View Problem Solving Approach and Visual Literacy. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are used to collect the data. The research samples consist of 43 Engineering Drawing teachers in Phase I and 350 students in Phase II . The research instruments used for data collection include questionnaires, tests and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS while qualitative data were analyzed using triangulation method in single-case and cross-cases. Results were presented as percentages, frequencies, means and transcripts. The findings of Phase I showed that the topic of AV is one of the topics in Engineering Drawing with high level difficulty. Results of Phase II showed the descending order of students’ visual cognition levels from visual memory, visual perception to visualization. The results also showed that the students used a combination of principles of projections, imagination and sketching to solve Engineering Drawing problems. The evaluation of the effects of using Visualization-based Learning Approach will be conducted to enhance students learning ED especially for the topics requiring visualization skills. (Authors' abstract

An EPIC solution to teacher education : working through constraints

This paper focuses on explaining how the Faculty of Education and Languages, Open University Malaysia (OUM) works around constraints and policies set by the Ministry of Education of Malaysia (MOE) in its effort to upgrade the qualification of the in-service teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Teaching programme. In line with the government’s policy to increase human capital development MOE introduces new elements which are to be incorporated into the existing teachers’ training curriculum. For OUM it means finding solutions to add another 15 credits to the existing programme without extending the duration of the whole programme. To meet this new challenge, a new approach is needed to comply with MOE’s requirements. Education Portal for Internet Courses (EPiC) is created not only to meet the new requirements but also to add value to the existing programme. It is designed to virtually extend students’ learning space and to provide full online learning and support. Its activities are scaffold, assignments are task based and learning draws on students’ experience and personal reflections. The whole environment is designed to be fun and promote active collaboration between students and their online supervisors. (abstarct by authors

Revisiting Retro Technology to Extend Educational Opportunity to Teachers in Remote Schools

OUM is constantly looking for new initiatives and mode of learning to enable every one to have access to education regardless of their geographical locations, cultural backgrounds and technological infrastructures. Having served the ‘pedalaman’ (remote) students OUM understands their needs and constraints when it comes to ODL. Current ODL depends largely on the more advance mode and technology to deliver content and enrich its learning and teaching processes. Its access and coverage are heavily dependent on extensive technological infrastructure available only in certain areas. In this case the availability of internet connection is crucial for the success of the ODL. Taking this constraint as a challenge to provide ‘education for all’, The Faculty of Education (FEL) has decided to search for a new mode to run its ODL to enable students in the ‘pedalaman’ to enjoy the same privileges as their colleagues in the urban and sub-urban areas. The search proposed to make new what is considered to be an ‘older’ technology; two-way radio. (Authors' abstract

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education Programme - Open University Malaysia Framework

This paper gives an overview of the design and development of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Honours programme for delivery through open and distance learning methodology at the Open University Malaysia. This programme is designed to meet the needs of persons interested in pursuing careers in early childhood education who are currently employed in preschools, public schools, child care centers or other childhood care facilities. It also aims to develop the specialist skills and knowledge gained through the completion of Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE). This is in line with the organization’s mission to widen access to quality education as well as to provide lifelong learning opportunities by adopting and engaging learning environment at competitive and affordable cost. This paper focuses on the curriculum development, the learning methodology, the practicum requirements and planning, the courseware development, the e-learning delivery platform and on the programme quality assurance. (Abstract by author

E-Engineering Drawing : a web based system for teaching and learning engineering drawing for upper secondary school

Engineering drawing is a combination of geometrical and building, mechanical and electrical drawing. It relates between theory and picture of reality. Engineering drawing will provide an accurate and complete picture for every object in terms of shape and size. Individuals involved in the world of engineering must be able to read and interpret an engineering drawing. This is an important pre-requisite. Many researches showed that those who learn Engineering drawing encounter difficulties to see an image in 3-dimension, in other words, visualization. In Engineering drawing, information and specifications from the real object must be transferred to a drawing; likewise,interpretation of information from a drawing to produce a real image. The transfer from reality to a drawing and vice versa is not an easy task. Thus, a web-based system for teaching and learning Engineering drawing was developed based on the Visualization and Constructivist Model. EEDTM is tailored for several topics of engineering drawing such as Orthographic Projection; Sectional View; Isometric and Oblique drawing at the secondary level. The learning strategy consists of multiple phases beginning with orientation, elicitation of ideas, reconstruction, application of concept and reflection. For example, in the orientation phase, students will be exposed to an overview of the topic followed by learning of specific concepts. Other phase involved eliciting of ideas reconstruction of concept and application of knowledge. This system also provides a learning environment that allows learners to view objects from different angles; such as third angle projection and first angle projection as well as views of plans, side and front elevations. The learners will be guided through the various steps in drawing methods for each topic via animations and simulations. Learners are able to view any section repeatedly. Examples of real application of engineering drawings will be also given using graphic, animations and video. To evaluate students understanding, exercises will be given at the end of each session. The effectiveness of the system will also be evaluated using students’ interactive patterns while working at the interface. (Authors' abstract

Relationship Between Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences Among Bachelor Of Technology And Education In Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Learning styles and multiple intelligences play an important role in higher education learning. They represent different individual preferences and strengths in learning and can be a stimulus for developing new ways of learning. This research is focused on the relationship between learning styles and multiple intelligences among the second year Bachelor of Technology and Education STP (A/E/J) direct intake students in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The whole population of 97 students were selected as sample. The Kolb Learning Styles Model (1976) and Gardner Multiple Intelligences Theory (1983) were used in this research. This is a quantitative approach research. Data were collected using questionnaire that were translated from Kolb Learning Styles Inventory and Gardner Multiple Intelligences Inventory. The gathered data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPPS) software and presented as frequencies, percentages, correlation and diagram. The results showed that majority of the students tend to possess Diverger learning styles with emphasis on Intrapersonal Intelligence for the excellent level and Verbal-Linguistic for the low level. The Chi Square test for the .1 level of significance indicates that a significant correlation exist between Kolb learning style with Musical Intelligence. (Authors' abstract

PowerPoint presentation on Revisiting Retro-Technology to Extend Educational Opportunity to Teachers in Remote Schools

A PowerPoint presentation on 'Revisiting Retro-Technology to Extend Educational Opportunity to Teachers in Remote Schools' presented during OUM Seminar Series 05/2010 on 14 May 2010 at OUM Theatrette

Peningkatan tahap kognitif visualisasi pelajar jurusan teknikal melalui latihan-latihan visualisasi

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menilai kesan latihan visualisasi dalam peningkatan tahap kognitif visual di kalangan pelajar yang mempelajari mata pelajaran Lukisan Kejuruteraan (LK). Reka bentuk kajian digunakan adalah kuasieksperimenlental dengan kumpulan kawalan ujian pra-ujian pos manakala sampel kajian adalah terdiri daripada kumpulan rawatan dan kumpulan kawalan yang masing-masing mempunyai 26 orang, iaitu jumlahnya seramai 52 orang. lnstrumen kajian pula merangkumi Ujian Kebolehan Ruang -Visualisasi, soalan temubual dan senarai semak pemerhatian. Hasil dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa selepas pendedahan latihan visualisasi, kumpulan rawatan mencapai peningkatan min skor tahap kognitif visualisasi yang signifikan jika dibandingkan dengan sebelum didedahkan latihan visualisasi (nilai signifikan ujian-t = ,019). Hasil temu-bual turut menunjukkan maklum balas yang positif dan komen konstruktif daripada pelajar rawatan. Selain itu, min skor kognitif visualisasi bagi kumpulan rawatan adalah lebih tinggi jika dibanding dengan kumpulan kawalan. Kesimpulannya, pendedahan latihan visualisasi berupaya mempertingkatkan tahap kognitif visualisasi pelajar. Oleh yang demikian, para guru digalak memasukkan latihan visualisasi dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran LK memandangkan mata pelajaran ini amat memerlukan penggunaan kenlahiran dan tahap kognitif visualisasi yang tinggi. (Authors' abstract

How Can Web-Based Learning System Enhance Adults Learning in Product Design

Optimal learning in product design occurs in the simulation of real world and problembased learning (PBL) activities. This is the core of teaching and learning in most of engineering disciplines. These learning activities happen in a safe environment where errors are expected, and failure will deepen learning experience. The internet is proving to be an effective way of delivering teaching and learning in engineering discipline. The advent of information and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning process has created a global revolutionary of adult education and training. As society shifts from industrial to an information age, adults are becoming majority that involve in utilizing e-learning for education, professional and personal purposes. The teaching and learning environments in current higher learning institutions are undergoing major changes from teacher-centered, memory-based learning to a learnercentered, problem-based and self-directed learning (SDL) that can enhance learners’ critical thinking, creativity and outstanding performance. This is the major challenge and the responsibility of adult educators to think and to substitute homogenized and linear flows of e-learning to fluid and multi-dimensional pedagogies that will promote and accelerate meaningful learning process. The purport of this paper is to discuss how web-based learning system can enhance learning in product design among adult learners in higher learning institution. This paper will also provide general understanding on several learning theories namely andragogy, SDL and PBL which can help educators to develop an effective web-based learning system for their adult learners. (Author's abstract