Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Education in 2001"

Development of a web-based laboratory for control experiments on a coupled tank apparatus

Abstract: The Internet provides a new environment for developing a variety of applications for educational and research purposes. This paper presents the implementation of a web-based laboratory experiment on a coupled tank apparatus, a multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) system. The web-based laboratory has been developed to serve students and staff in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The laboratory is an educational tool for teaching students the basic principles and methodology in performing a series of experiments on a coupled tank apparatus at any time and from any location through the Internet. With the capability to implement strategies for manual, proportional integral derivative (PID), general state-space, and fuzzy logic control, the laboratory also provides a platform for research staff to test control algorithms. Video conferencing has been used to provide audio and video feedback, with a camera mounted on a movable platform so that the user can control both the zooming and viewing angle.

Web-based peer review: the learner as both adapter and reviewer

Abstract: This study describes an effective web-based learning strategy, peer review, used by 143 computer science undergraduate students in an operating systems class at a Taiwanese university. Peer review, based on social constructivism, can be easily implemented via the authors' well-developed web-based peer review (WPR) system. Through peer review, the authors hope to form an authentic learning environment similar to an academic society in which a researcher submits a paper to a journal and receives reviews from society members before publication. Students using this learning strategy are expected to develop higher level thinking skills. The WPR system functioned in the following roles in this study: (1) an information distribution channel and management center for assignment submissions and peer review; (2) a forum for peer interaction and knowledge construction; and (3) storage for knowledge construction procedures. An evaluation of learning effects and students' perceptions about peer review during the spring of 1998 revealed that students not only performed better under peer review, but also displayed higher level thinking skills, i.e., critical thinking, planning, monitoring, and regulation. Students perceived peer review as an effective strategy that promoted their learning motivation. However, merely being an effective reviewer or an effective author may not excel in a peer review environment. The most effective individual appears to be the strategic adapter who effectively constructs a project, adjusts to peers' comments, and serves as a critical reviewer as well.

Vector control methods for induction machines: an overview

Abstract: In the last three decades, different vector control methods (field-oriented control (FOC), field acceleration method (FAM), universal field orientation (UFO), direct self control (DSC) and Takahashi method among others) have been proposed. It is difficult for students and nonspecialists to understand the drawbacks and advantages of each one. With this in mind, the objective of this paper is to propose a clear classification and comparison of them.

Research on learning style: applications in the physics and engineering classrooms

Abstract: Several approaches to teaching undergraduate physics and engineering students using both the Dunn and Dunn and the Kolb learning style models are discussed. The Dunn and Dunn learning style model is employed with nonmajors enrolled in introductory physics at American University and the Kolb learning style model is employed with freshman engineering students at Purdue University. The basic elements of these two learning style models are compared and contrasted. Teaching approaches that have been successful with these two distinctly different populations of students are shared. These approaches can easily be adapted for use by educators in other branches of computing as well as science, mathematics, engineering and technology education.

An educational genetic algorithms learning tool

Abstract: During the last thirty years, there has been a rapidly growing interest in a field called genetic algorithms (GAs). The field is at a stage of tremendous growth as evidenced by the increasing number of conferences, workshops and papers concerning it, as well as the emergence of a central journal for the field. With their great robustness, genetic algorithms have proven to be a promising technique for many optimization, design, control, and machine learning applications. Students who take a GAs course study and implement a wide range of difference techniques of GAs. And practical implementation experience plays a very important role in learning computer relative courses. Herein, an educational genetic algorithm learning tool (EGALT) has been developed to help students facilitate GAs course. With the readily available tool students can reduce the mechanical programming aspect of learning and concentrate on principles alone. A friendly graphic user interface was established to help students operate and control not only the structural identification but also the parametric identification of GAs. It outlines how to implemented genetic algorithms, how to set parameters of different kinds of problems, and recommends a set of genetic algorithms, which were suggested in previous studies.

Web based peer assessment: attitude and achievement

Abstract: The specific features of the Web-based peer assessment are to utilize Internet resources to facilitate contacts between individuals and information, to assist in brainstorming among individuals, and to generate more meaningful learning at the higher education level. In this research, authors focus predominantly on attitudes of computer science students toward Web-based peer assessment using NetPeas as the interactive channel and management center. NetPeas is a Web-based peer assessment system implemented for two-way anonymous peer assessment. In an evaluation held in spring 1999, this study recruited a sample of fifty-eight computer science undergraduate students enrolled in an operating systems class in a research university of Taiwan. Attitudes toward Web-based peer assessment were measured by a post-test questionnaire, including several affective components, for example, "satisfied" or "unsatisfied" about the Web-based peer assessment. The result demonstrated that; (1) significantly more students favored this new learning strategy; and (2) students with positive attitude outperformed those with negative attitude. No matter positive attitude toward Web-based peer assessment brings about higher achievement or higher achievement promotes positive attitude, teachers must take care of students' subjective feelings in enhancing effective Web-based peer assessment.

SAPWIN-a symbolic simulator as a support in electrical engineering education

Abstract: Gaining an insight into circuit properties in electrical engineering classes can be achieved by using computer based tools. A computer program which combines symbolic and numerical simulation capabilities is of great help, because such a program provides students with automatic analysis tools. This paper presents the program SAPWIN, which has been developed to perform an automatic symbolic and numerical analysis of linear circuits. The paper presents program features, their development lines and fundamental aspects. Also, the educational purposes which are contained in the use of the program itself are presented.

Interactive object-oriented simulation of interconnected power systems using SIMULINK

Abstract: An object-oriented power system simulation environment is constructed using the SIMULINK dynamic system modeling software. The environment is well suited to educational purposes, because the user interface is interactive and intuitive with a graphical, object-oriented model representation. For small system studies, a model is constructed in block diagram form with one block for each system component. For large scale simulations, the dynamics of portions of the network can be combined into collective blocks, with parameters managed as data arrays accessed indirectly using string mnemonics. The advanced numerical capabilities built into SIMULINK provide an excellent simulation engine for the nonlinear models. Offline analysis is available through the extensive capabilities of the MATLAB environment.

The impact of a simulation-based learning design project on student learning

Abstract: This study examined the effects of a sophisticated simulation-based task on students' learning of course-related content, ability to deal with complex, open-ended problems, and attitudes toward the Interactive Site Investigation Software (ISIS) and the course. Students were required to conduct a hazardous waste site investigation using the simulation software designed specifically for the course. ISIS simulated physical processes as well as real-world engineering processes. Assessment of student outcomes was based on the use of constructed-response knowledge maps to measure content understanding, and surveys to measure student attitudes and use of cognitive processes. Students reported very positive attitudes toward the ISIS experience, appeared to have gained substantial knowledge over the course of ISIS use, and perceived the ISIS activity as being generally effective in improving their skills in dealing with complex projects, linking theory to real world applications, and improving their problem-solving performance. Our assessment of student outcomes was a successful first attempt, but more work is needed to validate our measures with advanced students, particularly when the task is complex and requires interdisciplinary knowledge.

Internet-based learning by doing

Abstract: This paper presents the current trends in Internet-based training by experimental work. The authors show how to apply the "learning by doing" paradigm in Internet-based distance learning, both for academic educational environments and life-long training systems, taking into account available computer and network resources. Firstly, the different phases in the learning process are introduced. The aim of this introduction is to show to the readers the importance of the learning by doing paradigm, which is not implemented in many Internet-based educational environments. Then, they identify the most important trends in this field which can be classified into two main groups. The first one consists of accessing the real equipment through an Internet interface. The second is based on simulation, very often, Java-based simulation. Both approaches are discussed, including brief descriptions of currently available systems that implement them. Finally, these approaches are compared from different points of view. They point out the most significant variables to bear in mind and, as the readers may find a tradeoff between some of them, they also provide a graphical guide to help them in their choice.

Learning PID structures in an introductory course of automatic control

Abstract: Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers are described in most automatic control textbooks. The application of PID controllers is widely spread in automation of mechanical processes where control of motors is of concern. This paper focuses on implementation of the PID control when used for regulation of do motors. Two basic PID structures for position regulation of armature-controlled do motors are studied: the classical structure based on PID position loop plus velocity feedback, and a hierarchical two-loop feedback structure invoking a velocity proportional-integral (PI) inner loop. It is shown that the latter requires simpler stability conditions than the former. Basic concepts from automatic control are evoked in this study, namely, transfer function, characteristic polynomial, stability, and Routh-Hurwitz criterion. Experiments on a direct-drive motor are provided to illustrate the PID control performance.

Integrating the teaching of computer organization and architecture with digital hardware design early in undergraduate courses

Abstract: This paper describes a new way to teach computer organization and architecture concepts with extensive hands-on hardware design experience very early in computer science curricula. While describing the approach, it addresses relevant questions about teaching computer organization, computer architecture and hardware design to students in computer science and related fields. The justification to concomitantly teach two often separately addressed subjects is twofold. First, to provide a better insight into the practical aspects of computer organization and architecture. Second, to allow addressing only highly abstract design levels yet achieving reasonably performing implementations, to make the integrated teaching approach feasible. The approach exposes students to many of the essential issues incurred in the analysis, simulation, design and effective implementation of processors. Although the former separation of such connected disciplines has certainly brought academic benefits in the past, some modern technologies allow capitalizing on their integration. The practical implementation of the teaching approach comprises lecture as well as laboratory courses, starting in the third semester of an undergraduate computer science curriculum. In four editions of the first two courses, most students have obtained successful processor implementations. In some cases, considerably complex applications, such as bubble sort and quick sort procedures were programmed in assembly and or machine code and run at the hardware description language simulation level in the designed processors.

A competition-motivated capstone design course: the result of a fifteen-year evolution

Abstract: In this paper, a design course organization is presented, which is the result of 15 years of experience with a two-semester senior design course sequence in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Detroit Mercy. An organization has been determined, which for the authors, balances team experience, individual assessment, design complexity, realism, writing content, and faculty workload. The current course structure is based on the integration of a capstone program with the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) sponsored by the Association For Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). The competition rules require that the students design and build an autonomous land vehicle which can navigate while sensing lane lines, avoiding obstacles, and traveling over ramps and sand traps. There are two main competition events: the vehicle performance competition where the autonomous robotic vehicles compete to finish the course in the shortest time or by traveling the farthest in the allotted time, and the vehicle design competition that evaluates the documentation, design process, and presentation of each team. The authors have found that this type of competition matches both the spirit and the practical needs of their capstone design course.

Examples of distance learning projects in the European Community

Abstract: The innovation brought by the introduction of new technologies in our modern society has also started to appear in education. The biggest efforts come from the institutions involved in distance education, partly due to the characteristics of the educational system they represent. In order to improve the technology development there are a large number of projects being developed inside the European Union. This paper discusses the current situation of distance learning and the technological resources available including e-mail, video conferencing, Internet and the World Wide Web and virtual teaching-learning environment. Some of the European Projects including new technologies in distance learning are also discussed.

Robot-Draw, an Internet-based visualization tool for robotics education

Abstract: Robot manipulators are described geometrically by their Denavit-Hartenberg parameters table. This article describes a package that combines recently developed Internet-based programming tools to generate three-dimensional virtual models of robot manipulators from a DH parameter table. Robot-Draw combines hypertext markup language (HTML), practical extraction and report language (PERL), and virtual reality modeling language (VRML). Internet users can generate three-dimensional robot manipulator models on their computer screens, navigate around the robot model and examine it from any angle. The package was designed as a visualization aid in robotics education and allows educators and students to easily visualize robotic structures and directly evaluate the effect of a parameter variation on the overall robot. Robot-Draw can also be a useful tool in the structural design of robot manipulators. Users with Internet connections can use the University of West Florida Robot-Draw package at the UWF Electrical Engineering web server by connecting to http://uwf.edu/ece/robotdraw.htm.

An improved approach to application-specific power electronics education. Curriculum development

Abstract: This paper presents an innovative power electronics curriculum spanning the undergraduate and graduate programs. The curriculum develops the basic concepts of the field and applies them to modern industrial challenges to solve practical problems. It is based on three fundamental disciplines: switching devices, circuits and topologies and control and drives. The curriculum, which will facilitate the development of optimal systems, bridges the gap between power semiconductor devices and circuit design. An underlying principle of the curriculum is the development of optimal application-specific power electronics systems, achieved primarily through optimization of power semiconductor devices. The curriculum is described in detail with an emphasis on the courses pertaining to power semiconductor device physics and converter circuit design. The role of advanced computer-aided design tools is also identified and shown to facilitate an application-specific device design and optimization methodology. To further illustrate the effectiveness of this approach, two industry-relevant course projects performed in the curriculum are presented in detail.

A modern approach to teaching basic experimental electricity and electronics

Abstract: This paper describes how basic electricity and electronic undergraduate laboratories for the electrical engineering course at Escola Politecnica, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, have been revitalized with the introduction of modern automation procedures in the experiments. The approach has eased many experimental setups, eliminating some manual tedious data collection routines and allowing more time for efficient analysis of results, proposing new models for the assimilation of fundamental concepts, and offering modern resources for the elaboration of reports. The professional instruments and computational tools used in the labs have increased students' interest in the disciplines. Team work and creative learning are also objectives of the new methodology. Some examples on how the traditional experiments have been updated are described in this work. Implementation of this modern approach was accomplished involving the collaboration and suggestions of other professors, and specially, the work of several of our undergraduate students, who developed the automation and calculation routines.

Curriculum development in microelectromechanical systems in mechanical engineering

Abstract: Curriculum development in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) Department at the University of Michigan is presented. A course curriculum structure that integrates both mechanical and electrical engineering courses is proposed for mechanical engineering students. The proposed curriculum starts from undergraduate study and finishes at the Ph.D. level. Two new graduate-level MEMS courses are proposed: "Introduction to MEMS" for senior undergraduate students and entry-level graduate students and "Advanced MEMS" for graduate students. The first course has been experimentally taught at the University of Michigan for three years and the class assessments are summarized and analyzed in this paper. It is clear from the student responses that they are interested in taking courses in emerging technologies such as MEMS and more courses in the MEMS area should be offered. Future MEMS curriculum development and a new MEMS course for undergraduate-level students in the college of engineering are discussed.

Learning on demand-a hybrid synchronous/asynchronous approach

Abstract: A variety of online courses and even degree programs have begun to appear as standard offerings from a broad spectrum of educational and training institutions. Often, these courses consist purely of web-based access to traditional textual and graphical course materials, while others have tried to provide real-time audio or video access to traditional classes using modern communications technologies. This paper describes another approach-the Lectures on Demand in Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN) methodology-in using information technology to enhance the learning experience for conventional on-campus students, as well as for those students whose circumstances require that they be asynchronous in time or space with respect to fellow students and instructional staff. In this approach, students are able to 'attend' classes in real time via the Internet, as well as to access asynchronously digitally stored video material with hyperlinks to other online resources, such as mailing lists or chat sessions, at any time. In addition to the simple delivery of class materials, current and emerging Internet-based communication technologies permit beneficial interaction in real-time and asynchronously among students and between students and instructor, which is a key for effective learning. The paper discusses the pedagogical and technical issues involved in this approach, and describes a variety of mechanisms to provide enhanced live and archived classes.

Remote laboratory for a brushless DC motor

Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate remote-learning methods in the context of mechatronics education, and in particular, for the study of brushless DC motors, which are extensively employed in robots, information devices, home appliances and other areas. While hypermedia-based courseware and computer-assisted instruction are widely used in conventional desk-type learning, very few examples exist of remote learning that involve experiments. The authors therefore developed a prototype client-server system for remotely conducting experiments on brushless DC motors, including Web-based courseware and other software. The server computer is connected to the motor laboratory, and the visual image and sounds of the experiment are transmitted to the client computer in real time. The remotely located user can operate the motors and conduct experiments through the client computer. Through demonstrations to a class, the authors conclude that the remote lab combined with a simulation of the motor's dynamic behavior can be a quite effective teaching aid for the study of precision motors.

Using MathCad in understanding the induction motor characteristics

Abstract: Computer-aided multimedia education is increasingly popular within the classroom and laboratory. The applications of market-ready mathematical and database programming software for teaching engineering course outline is well appreciated. This article shows how MathCad can be used to introduce electrical machine characteristics simulated at different possible control modes. The undergraduate students require minimum knowledge of a programming language. The examples presented in the article show how MathCad software can be used to simplify some of the characteristics of the three-phase and one-phase induction machine. The result of introducing math software as a teaching tool at the third- and fourth-year level have been accepted and are now used as part of the practical sessions for the electrical machine and other credited courses at Birzeit University, West Bank and Gaza in the Palestine.

An Internet-assisted experimental environment suitable for the reinforcement of undergraduate teaching of advanced control techniques

Abstract: The development of an experimental environment with interactive features, suitable both for the reinforcement of undergraduate level teaching of control theory and also for graduate-level research work in the field of intelligent control is described. The students are prepared for the experiment by an interactive session on the Internet before coming into the laboratory. The hardware and the software components of the experiment are integrated to achieve maximum effectiveness in teaching advanced control concepts, such as fuzzy and neuro-fuzzy control. The environment is also suitable for masters-level research work.

An interactive multimedia system on "computer architecture, organization, and design"

Abstract: The multimedia system described in this paper demonstrates the successful integration of multimedia into education and provides a clear example of how multimedia can be used to deliver computer engineering and computer science concepts to the often diverse student base. The paper describes an interactive, knowledge-based multimedia system that has been used to teach users about the basic aspects of computer architecture, organization, and design. The system is well suited for self-paced, student directed study, student review, and classroom presentation and discussion. The system allows learners to choose how information will be displayed, changing for example, among text, graphics, animation, and simulation. The hypermedia capabilities built into the system enables it to respond based on the dynamic evaluation of both the contexts of the human-computer collaboration and the knowledge base underlying the visible screen presentation. The system serves as a very useful aid to introduce and demonstrate some of the fundamental ideas of computer architecture and organization.

Networked implementation of an electrical measurement laboratory for first course engineering studies

Abstract: A method based on the use of computers to guide and supervise the practical work performed by the students in a basic hardware laboratory is described. The bench computer adds real-time monitoring of the work done by the student, so that most mistakes, improper measurement settings, etc., are detected and immediately fed back. This environment reinforces student motivation. The networked architecture of the laboratory permits the centralized supervision and tracking of the work done at each bench. The use of standard communication protocols allows the extension of the approach to remotely located benches under the supervision of the central server. Internet-based tools are also included in the method to complement the learning process.

Simulators over the network

Abstract: In this paper we present SimulNet, our contribution to the improvement of high-quality learning at home using new technologies. SimulNet provides students with a teleteaching environment where the "learning-by-doing" paradigm is possible. Unlike other distance teaching systems whose aim is to achieve a virtual classroom, SimulNet provides a virtual laboratory to put theoretical knowledge into practice. Because SimulNet is a 100% pure Java system, our labware can be run on any computer and operating system. Our approach is based on the simulation of the actual laboratory tools that are delivered through the Internet (Java applets) or by CD-ROM technology (Java applications). Although SimulNet can be used in a remote access way, Java allows us to provide always the highest level of interactivity, which is an essential feature in any distance education system. In addition, SimulNet also provides a set of communication and tutoring tools for learners and instructors, providing a full cooperative learning atmosphere. We believe distance education should not mean to study alone and, therefore, we made an extra effort to provide an environment where students and teachers feel as is they were in a virtual lecture room.

Complementary root locus revisited

Abstract: In this paper, a new finding related to the well-known root locus method that is covered in the introductory control systems books is presented, It is shown that some of the complementary root locus rules and properties are not valid for systems with loop transfer functions that are not strictly proper. New definitions for root locus branches have been presented which divide them into branches passing through infinity and branches ending at or starting from infinity. New formulations for calculating the number of branches passing through the infinity point of intersection of the asymptotes on the real axis, and angles of these asymptotes with the real axis have been introduced. It has been shown this type of system with the order of n will have at least one and at most n branches which will pass through infinity. The realization and stability of these systems have been investigated, and their gain plots have been presented. The new finding can be used by educators to complement their lecture materials of the root locus method. By using problems similar to examples presented in the paper, analytical understanding of the students in a classical control systems course can be tested.

Use of a spreadsheet program in electromagnetics

Abstract: This paper describes how a spreadsheet program can assist electromagnetics education at the undergraduate level. Spreadsheet software has proven to be an important pedagogical tool for a variety of problems in electrical engineering education. Using the power of the 123 macros, a menu driven spreadsheet program is used to compute the solution of some electrostatic boundary value problems for an introductory-level electromagnetics course. With the on-screen numerical and visual feedback and the ease of entering data, students will be able to take a close look at the effects of varying the input data of the model problems.

Statistical analysis of final year project marks in the computer engineering undergraduate program

Abstract: This study is to find the existence of discrepancy between the supervisor and assessor in project assessment. A systematic approach is suggested using statistical analysis. Project marks of the computer engineering program obtained from the past two years are recorded using Excel and analyzed using SPSS. Using one-way analysis of variance, it is found that the reason for the discrepancy is due to the excessively low marks given by the assessors. The outcome of this study helps to identify those projects that need to be reassessed. Standardization of the project assessment guarantees that the marking is fair and truly reflects the student performance.

DataLab-J: a signal and image processing laboratory for teaching and research

Abstract: DataLab-J is a software signal and image processing laboratory which has proved effective both as an educational "workbench" and in practical operational use. It requires a pedagogical tool, a research environment, and a fully operational data analysis system, i.e., it is used not only in undergraduate engineering courses, but in graduate study and general research. The system must be easily extendable, e.g., to allow undergraduates to perform practical programming of standard digital filters and image processing algorithms, or to provide a realistic platform upon which novel algorithms can be implemented. On a further dimension, the system must handle seamlessly and efficiently three broad data types: digital signals (sequences), images (possibly multiband), and multivariate data sets. The system is implemented in the programming language Java. DataLab-J has been operational for four years, has been used in an undergraduate image processing course, and as a platform for a great many dissertation projects. In addition it is in everyday use within a university signal and image processing research group.

Optoelectronics experiments for first-year engineering students

Abstract: This paper describes a set of experiments in optoelectronics for first-year engineering students. This laboratory experience is comprised of five inexpensive and transportable modules that provide a hands-on introduction to optoelectronics, these modules include different types of emitters, light-emitting diode (LED) colors, optical voice link, total internal reflection and waveguiding. Designed by a senior electrical engineering student, these modules appeal to students with various learning styles. Two hundred eight-five first-year engineering students at Bucknell University and the University of San Diego (USA) have performed these experiments. Student response to the laboratories has been enthusiastic with 80% of the students rating the lab as very good or excellent overall. Further assessment of the experiments by the instructor and the students is also discussed.