Showing papers in "IEEE Transactions on Education in 2006"
TL;DR: The twofold contribution of this work is a novel use of existing technology to improve learning and a longitudinal, quasi-experimental evaluation of its use in context.
Abstract: Research using Web lectures to enhance the classroom learning experience in an introductory human-computer interaction course is presented. By using Web lectures to present lecture material before class, more in-class time can be spent engaging students with hands-on learning activities-using class time for more learning by doing, less learning by listening. A quasi-experiment was conducted over a 15-week semester with 46 students in two sections of the same course-one section using Web lectures and one using traditional lectures. Many control measures were in place, including each section being taught by the same instructor and blind grading being used. The Web lecture section's grades were significantly higher than the traditional lecture section, and Web lecture students reported increasingly strong positive attitudes about the intervention. The twofold contribution of this work is a novel use of existing technology to improve learning and a longitudinal, quasi-experimental evaluation of its use in context
296 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on the use of a classroom response system to enhance classroom interactivity in a systems analysis and design course and assess the success of the project using both quantitative and qualitative data.
Abstract: Classroom interactivity is a critical component of teaching and learning. This paper reports on the use of a classroom response system to enhance classroom interactivity in a systems analysis and design course. The success of the project was assessed using both quantitative and qualitative data. A pretest/posttest design was used to examine the effects of a classroom response system on interactivity. The results show that a classroom response system can significantly improve classroom interactivity. Qualitative data was also collected to identify the strengths and weaknesses of using a classroom response system to enhance classroom interaction. Based on the quantitative and qualitative results, suggestions and guidelines on using a classroom response system in the classroom settings are discussed
204 citations
TL;DR: Statistical analysis indicates that, despite these apparent differences, such e-laboratory modules can be integrated quite effectively in practical scenarios, creating virtual training environments that can provide adequate learning elements, as related particularly to mid and high-level skill acquisition.
Abstract: This paper describes the development and experimental evaluation of an e-laboratory platform in the field of robotics. The system in its current configuration is designed to enable distance training of students in real scenarios of robot manipulator programming. From a technological perspective, the research work presented in this paper is directed towards the adaptation of concepts and techniques developed in the field of telerobotics and virtual reality, and their integration in such e-laboratory settings. This paper focuses particularly on the educational impact of such systems. The goal is to assess the performance of e-laboratory scenarios in terms of the efficacy of training provided to students. The results of a pilot experimental study are presented, providing a comparative evaluation for three training modalities: real, remote, and virtual training on robot manipulator programming. The experiments were conducted according to an evaluation protocol specially designed for the considered target training task, using scoring charts to obtain quantitative performance measures and assess the performance of the student groups participating in the course. Training, as a dynamic process, is approached according to a classical three dimensional model, and performance scores are accordingly assessed in these dimensions (namely: low-level versus mid and high-level skills and understanding). The obtained results reveal certain differences between the three groups, particularly as related to the low-level skill training score, giving some insight about the training `dimensions' that are expected to be mostly affected by the absence of physical (or realistic virtual) presence in a real hands-on experimentation. Statistical analysis indicates, however, that, despite these apparent differences, such e-laboratory modules can be integrated quite effectively in practical scenarios, creating virtual training environments that can provide adequate learning elements, as related particularly to mid and high-level skill acquisition. Further work and large-scale studies are still needed, though, in order to explore the extent to which such a general conclusion is valid in different training settings, and to form the basis of a more theoretical evaluation for a comprehensive understanding of the pedagogical differences between real, virtual, and remote learning/training methodologies and experiences
167 citations
TL;DR: An important result is that all students have developed more complex and sophisticated electronic systems, while considering that the results are worth the effort invested.
Abstract: This paper presents an approach to design Electronic Systems Curricula for making electronics more appealing to students. Since electronics is an important grounding for other disciplines (computer science, signal processing, and communications), this approach proposes the development of multidisciplinary projects using the project-based learning (PBL) strategy for increasing the attractiveness of the curriculum. The proposed curriculum structure consists of eight courses: four theoretical courses and four PBL courses (including a compulsory Master's thesis). In PBL courses, the students, working together in groups, develop multidisciplinary systems, which become progressively more complex. To address this complexity, the Department of Electronic Engineering has invested in the last five years in many resources for developing software tools and a common hardware. This curriculum has been evaluated successfully for the last four academic years: the students have increased their interest in electronics and have given the courses an average grade of more than 71% for all PBL course evaluations (data extracted from students surveys). The students have also acquired new skills and obtained very good academic results: the average grade was more than 74% for all PBL courses. An important result is that all students have developed more complex and sophisticated electronic systems, while considering that the results are worth the effort invested
160 citations
TL;DR: The learning method is based on a flexible manufacturing cell, resulting from the collaboration between the CITCEA-UPC and Schneider Electric and its Training Center, and the problem proposed to the students is the automation of such a cell with commercial programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Abstract: The increasing necessity of engineers capable of handling the problems of the industry and able to face the technical challenges they will encounter in their professional career is boosting the teaching methods based on projects and real applications. The Center of Technological Innovation in Static Converters and Drives, Technical University of Catalonia (CITCEA-UPC) group, Barcelona, Spain, has introduced such learning methods applied to the automation field in a course taught for the electrical engineering degree and in some postgraduate workshops, making the laboratory platforms available through the Internet in order to allow the use of such practices in e-learning-based courses. The learning method is based on a flexible manufacturing cell, resulting from the collaboration between the CITCEA-UPC and Schneider Electric and its Training Center. The problem proposed to the students is the automation of such a cell with commercial programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The experience has proved to be positive, and the students have valued it accordingly
103 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that problem-based learning is an ideal pedagogical tool for the teaching of computer network design.
Abstract: This paper addresses the challenge of developing techniques for the effective teaching of computer network design. It reports on the experience of using the technique of problem-based learning as a key pedagogical method for teaching practical network design within the context of a Master's program module in data telecommunications and networks at the University of Salford, Salford, Greater Manchester, U.K. A two-threaded approach was adopted that comprised a problem-based learning thread and a conventional lecture thread. The problem-based learning thread within the module comprised sessions designed to place the students in the position of network design consultants who are introduced to scenarios that have a high degree of realism in which a client has specific business requirements that can be met through the adoption of a network solution. In this way, the problem-based learning thread allows the students to develop their design skills, while the lecture thread uses traditional teaching methods to allow students to develop their understanding of key network components and architectures. A formal evaluation of this approach has been carried out and demonstrated a very effective and realistic learning experience for the students. Therefore, the authors propose that problem-based learning is an ideal pedagogical tool for the teaching of computer network design.
101 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of similarities and differences in the learning styles of computer science and engineering students at a Middle Eastern institution and an American university in the Midwestern United States suggests strong similarities exist between learning styles.
Abstract: Although there are many studies addressing the relationship of learning style to outcomes in engineering courses, few have attempted direct cross-cultural comparisons. This study investigates similarities and differences in the learning styles of computer science and engineering students at a Middle Eastern institution and an American university in the Midwestern United States. Comparative data on student learning style profiles and course outcomes suggest that, despite vast cultural differences, strong similarities exist between learning styles of these students. Seemingly, a consistent pattern in how these students learn across cultures also exists. These findings have significant implications for the creation of globally effective teaching materials
73 citations
TL;DR: This project, being the first of its kind anywhere in the world, provides a learning environment that replicates the current industrial practice in embedded systems design in an easy and comprehensible setting.
Abstract: This paper describes the process of review, design, and delivery of a course in modern embedded systems, an international collaborative teaching project involving the University of New South Wales (Australia), Manchester University, and Imperial College, London University (United Kingdom). This project, being the first of its kind anywhere in the world, provides a learning environment that replicates the current industrial practice in embedded systems design in an easy and comprehensible setting, an environment where the processor, dedicated coprocessors, and software are all integrated to create a functional system such as used in sophisticated electronic devices, including mobile phones, Web phones, televisions, digital cameras, and personal digital assistants. Such collaborations are important in both reducing development costs in developing up-to-date, and increasingly sophisticated, courses and in addressing pedagogical issues that are common between computer and electrical engineering programs in all academic institutions. To assist students' learning experience, the course is supported with purpose built state-of-the-art programmable hardware and software development platforms, carefully planned laboratory experiments, lecture notes, weekly online quizzes, tutorials, and a companion CD-ROM as a learning tool. Since the introduction of this complete package, students' satisfaction, assessment results, and skills obtained through evaluation and assessment methods have improved markedly
70 citations
TL;DR: The Interactive Multimedia Intelligent Tutoring System (IMITS) is designed to assist electrical engineering undergraduate students taking their first circuits courses and may validate analyses and designs using a virtual laboratory incorporated with the software.
Abstract: The Interactive Multimedia Intelligent Tutoring System (IMITS) is designed to assist electrical engineering undergraduate students taking their first circuits courses. The IMITS system places the student in a real-life engineering scenario in which the student is a newly hired engineer within the fictional IMITS Corporation and given "real-life" problems to solve, corresponding to course material. The office has file cabinets, bookshelves, a printer, and a personal computer. The personal computer allows the student to receive televideo messages, receive "e-mail", and send "e-mail" reports to senior engineers. A feature of IMITS is that the student decides which actions to take and may validate analyses and designs using a virtual laboratory incorporated with the software. A brief historical perspective of intelligent tutoring systems is presented, followed by an explanation of their architecture. Next, a detailed discription of the intelligent tutoring system IMITS is given. Then the results of usability and effectiveness evaluations of the software are given
69 citations
TL;DR: By introducing practicing engineering to the course from day one, student motivation is increased, and the relationship between theoretical and practical aspects of engineering is demonstrated more clearly, this "hands-on approach" allows the student a greater insight into the life of an engineer.
Abstract: This paper discusses a teaching experience obtained in the undergraduate course of Control Engineering at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil. The course endeavors to introduce the students to the university and to the real world of engineering and to develop an understanding of basic engineering concepts and foster professional skills. By introducing practicing engineering to the course from day one, student motivation is increased, and the relationship between theoretical and practical aspects of engineering is demonstrated more clearly. This "hands-on approach" allows the student a greater insight into the life of an engineer. It strengthens a weakness found in established teaching methods, allowing the individual to embark on his or her engineering education with greater confidence in his or her ability as an engineer.
67 citations
TL;DR: The implementation of the practicals was judged to be successful because of the positive student feedback and also because students scored better in the final exam.
Abstract: Motivating students to learn computer networking concepts is often difficult because many students find the subject rather technical, dry, and boring. To overcome this problem, the author has prepared some practical laboratory exercises (practicals) and other materials. They are designed around a network operating system and a multiuser, multitasking operating system and are suitable for classroom use in undergraduate computer networking courses. The effectiveness of these practicals has been evaluated both formally by students and informally in discussion within the teaching team. The implementation of the practicals was judged to be successful because of the positive student feedback and also because students scored better in the final exam. This paper describes the practicals, their overall effectiveness, and plans for further projects. The impact of practicals on student learning and comprehension is also discussed
TL;DR: A new approach that, by integrating computer-assisted teaching methodology in classroom presentation, substantially restructures the course so that it provides a comprehensive treatment of electric-drive systems with discussions covering electric machines, power electronic converters, feedback controls, power supply systems, and mechanical systems.
Abstract: The course of Electric Machinery has been one of the core courses in the Electrical Engineering (EE) curriculum at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). In the past, the course was designed to focus mainly on topics of transformers and electric machines and was typically presented under the assumption of steady-state conditions. Unfortunately, many students considered the course old-fashioned and unexciting, and this lack of interest, in turn, seriously limited their ability to understand and appreciate the wide-ranging applications of electric machines. More important, electric machines today have become widely integrated with power electronics, digital signal processing (DSP), and digital control technology. However, these technological changes were not adequately reflected in the traditional teaching structure of the course. This paper presents a new approach that, by integrating computer-assisted teaching methodology in classroom presentation, substantially restructures the course so that it provides a comprehensive treatment of electric-drive systems with discussions covering electric machines, power electronic converters, feedback controls, power supply systems, and mechanical systems.
TL;DR: How problem-based learning principles guided the design and implementation of Mobile Applications Development (MAD), a graduate-level course focused on emerging technologies like mobile technology, is discussed.
Abstract: This paper describes efforts to develop a pedagogical environment that seeks to influence the learning experiences of students as mobile applications end users, developers, and decision makers. Specifically, via a collaborative effort involving industry sponsors, university technology services, and multiple academic units engaged in information technology education, a graduate-level course called Mobile Applications Development (MAD) was created. The core innovativeness of MAD lies in its delivery structure as a problem-based learning course-centered on emerging technologies like mobile technology-that brings together students with diverse backgrounds from different academic units across the campus. MAD culminates in an industry-sponsored competition, where student teams present their mobile solution to a panel of expert judges from industry and higher education. Via MAD and the associated competitions, students, faculty, and institutional partners can explore the opportunities and challenges associated with mobile technologies. This paper discusses how problem-based learning principles guided the design and implementation of MAD. A multiperspective assessment of the success of MAD is offered. Finally, key lessons learned and guidance to assist other educators are also offered
TL;DR: A virtual instrument that can carry out power system harmonic measurement based on fast Fourier transform in remote surveillance capability via the Internet and the strategies and guidelines are developed to enhance teaching and/or learning the basics of operating Internet-based systems.
Abstract: Traditional methods to measure power system harmonics employ the power harmonic analyzer or a software package, such as Matlab or others, but they do have certain limitations in the graphical programming environment, applications for remote monitoring and control performance. This paper presents a virtual instrument (VI) that can carry out power system harmonic measurement based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) in remote surveillance capability via the Internet. The strategies and guidelines are also developed to enhance teaching and/or learning the basics of operating Internet-based systems. Critical issues pertaining to engineering education, such as design of course, expected learning outcomes, assessment of student performance, and course evaluation are discussed in detail
TL;DR: A Matlab-based voltage stability toolbox (VST) designed to analyze bifurcation and voltage stability problems in electric power systems and its successful integration into power engineering courses at Nigde University, Nigde, Turkey is presented.
Abstract: This paper presents a Matlab-based voltage stability toolbox (VST) designed to analyze bifurcation and voltage stability problems in electric power systems. VST combines proven computational and analytical capabilities of bifurcation theory, and symbolic implementation and graphical representation capabilities of Matlab and its toolboxes. The motivation for developing the package is to provide a flexible simulation environment for an ongoing research conducted at the Center for Electric Power Engineering (CEPE) of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, and to enhance undergraduate/graduate power engineering courses. VST is a very flexible tool for load flow, small-signal and transient stability, and bifurcation analysis. After a brief summary of power system model and local bifurcations, the paper illustrates the capabilities of VST using the IEEE 14-bus system as an example and describes its successful integration into power engineering courses at Nigde University, Nigde, Turkey
TL;DR: A Tabu search-based approach is proposed for more efficient composition of near-optimal test sheets from very large item banks, while meeting multiple assessment criteria.
Abstract: A computer skill certification test is one of the most important methods for evaluation of a student's computer ability. Since the tests are held frequently, one must efficiently and effectively compose test sheets from a large item bank containing over 10 000 test items. To certify student computer skills fairly, the composed test sheets must meet multiple assessment criteria such as the ratio of relevant concepts to be evaluated, the average discrimination degree, the difficulty degree, and the estimated testing time. One must allow significant time to compose an optimal test sheet from a large item bank by generating and testing each possible combination of test items. To cope with this problem, a Tabu search-based approach is proposed for more efficient composition of near-optimal test sheets from very large item banks, while meeting multiple assessment criteria. Based on the proposed approach, a computer-assisted testing system has been developed, and a series of experiments have been conducted to compare the efficiency and efficacy of this approach with other approaches. The experimental results show that the new approach is desirable for the composition of near-optimal test sheets from large item banks.
TL;DR: The possibility of enhancing e-learning systems to achieve deep learning has been studied by replicating an experiment in which students had to learn basic software engineering principles using a static or system-dynamics-based approach.
Abstract: Current e-learning systems are increasing their importance in higher education. However, the state of the art of e-learning applications, besides the state of the practice, does not achieve the level of interactivity that current learning theories advocate. In this paper, the possibility of enhancing e-learning systems to achieve deep learning has been studied by replicating an experiment in which students had to learn basic software engineering principles. One group learned these principles using a static approach, while the other group learned the same principles using a system-dynamics-based approach, which provided interactivity and feedback. The results show that, quantitatively, the latter group achieved a better understanding of the principles; furthermore, qualitatively, they enjoyed the learning experience
TL;DR: This paper summarizes a project-oriented adjustable speed drive design course suitable for senior electrical engineering undergraduate students and gives enough details for each subsystem to develop an induction motor drive system.
Abstract: Adjustable speed motor drive design requires knowledge of various electrical and mechanical fundamentals. The theories of these fundamental topics are very well addressed in different courses during the undergraduate level of a typical electrical engineering education. Furthermore, related laboratory courses help students to improve their practical skills to some extent. Since they find experimental equipment ready to use, product development skills with group work cannot be improved in laboratories. Also, these separate courses and their associated laboratories regarding fundamentals, such as power electronics, electric machines, electric circuits, electronics, dynamics, and thermal analysis, are independent courses, and students usually cannot find a chance to apply all these fundamentals to a single problem before starting their professional career. This paper summarizes a project-oriented adjustable speed drive design course suitable for senior electrical engineering undergraduate students. The project was divided into several subsystems, and each subsystem was assigned to a group of students among 28 enrolled students. The paper gives enough details for each subsystem to develop an induction motor drive system
TL;DR: These projects are designed around low-cost Wi-Fi modules and PC cards that are available from local electronics shops and are suitable for classroom use in introductory-level courses about wireless networking.
Abstract: Wireless communication and networking often proves to be a quite challenging subject to teach in a meaningful way, because many students appear to find the subject rather dry and technical, and thus quite boring. The authors have prepared some interesting projects to provide the students of wireless communication and networking with a hands-on learning experience. These projects are designed around low-cost Wi-Fi modules and PC cards that are available from local electronics shops. The projects are suitable for classroom use in introductory-level courses about wireless networking. The effectiveness of these projects has been evaluated by both students and teaching team. The feedback from students indicates that both the development and implementation of the projects were successful. This paper describes these projects, their overall effectiveness, and plans for further projects. The impact of Wi-Fi projects on student learning and comprehension is also discussed.
TL;DR: An undergraduate internetwork, security-teaching laboratory, which includes both defensive and offensive security laboratory experimentation, is described, which is unique in that it uses an isolated laboratory network that provides a simple model of the Internet.
Abstract: An undergraduate internetwork, security-teaching laboratory, which includes both defensive and offensive security laboratory experimentation, is described. This laboratory is oriented toward an introductory internetworking security class and is intended to complement more theoretical network security classes while sparking student interest. The laboratory is unique in that it uses an isolated laboratory network that provides a simple model of the Internet, including an enterprise network component, a university component, a "good" Internet service provider, and a "bad" Internet service provider. This setup is in contrast to typical educational laboratories, which use only a few physical computers with virtual machines. All of the laboratory assignments are available on the Internet for general community use and modification (the Internetwork Security Class Home Page is available at http://users.ece.gatech.edu//spl ap/owen/).
TL;DR: This paper presents the development of a Web telerobotic system and its use as a supplement to the teaching of robotics through a set of experimental tasks related to real industrial robot processes.
Abstract: This paper presents the development of a Web telerobotic system and its use as a supplement to the teaching of robotics through a set of experimental tasks related to real industrial robot processes. Using an intuitive interface and a simplified workspace to guarantee operability and safety, the system allows a high degree of real-time interaction with an industrial robot. The system is evaluated on a comparative basis by assessing the performance of a local and a remote student group. Using t-test statistics, one can see that both groups perform equally well, given the appropriate familiarization time
TL;DR: Polytechnic University (Brooklyn Poly), Brooklyn, NY, recognized the need to prepare its students for careers in wireless and successfully developed one of the first instructional wireless information networks laboratories, which is replicable by other universities.
Abstract: Wireless communications technology is one of the most rapidly growing disciplines and is experiencing unprecedented market growth. The 21st Century will witness the widespread deployment of all kinds of public and private wireless networks. Many graduating seniors and graduate students are finding themselves in careers relating to wireless information technology. In addition, practicing engineers, computer specialists, and managers have to re-educate themselves in the area of wireless technology. Polytechnic University (Brooklyn Poly), Brooklyn, NY, recognized the need to prepare its students for careers in wireless and successfully developed one of the first instructional wireless information networks laboratories. The laboratory has provided more than 800 students during the past decade with the opportunity to acquire both in-depth theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in this rapidly growing discipline. The laboratory experience can play an important role in motivating students and stimulating their interest in a specific discipline such as wireless communication systems. It both complements and supplements the other theoretical courses taken by the students. Reading about signals plus additive white Gaussian noise in a textbook and actually observing such signals in a laboratory oscilloscope can be two very different experiences for many students. This paper describes this instructional laboratory, which is replicable by other universities.
TL;DR: A set of purpose-built, low-voltage, and low-cost teaching equipment that allows the hands-on instruction of three-phase inverters and rotating machines for teaching purposes and require minimal effort and cost.
Abstract: The hazards associated with high-voltage three-phase inverters and high-powered large electrical machines have resulted in most of the engineering courses covering three-phase machines and drives theoretically. This paper describes a set of purpose-built, low-voltage, and low-cost teaching equipment that allows the hands-on instruction of three-phase inverters and rotating machines. The motivation for moving towards a system running at low voltages is that the students can safely experiment freely with the motors and inverter. The students can also access all of the current and voltage waveforms, which until now could only be studied in textbooks or observed as part of laboratory demonstrations. Both the motor and the inverter designs are for teaching purposes and require minimal effort and cost
TL;DR: A procedure has been designed for student evaluation that is based on moderately difficult practical designs that have been developed using design tools and logical synthesis, which provides added motivation for students as they find themselves tackling real problems associated with digital design.
Abstract: The study of programmable logic devices (PLDs) is one of the more accessible branches of microelectronics, given the conceptual simplicity and relative ease with which implementation resources can be found that enable fairly large projects to be undertaken. The Circuit and Electronic Systems Design course-offered as part of the telecommunication engineering study plan at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain-teaches digital design methods based on PLDs. This subject implies an understanding of structures and resources and design methods based on hardware description languages (HDLs). Given the broad and essentially practical nature of the course, it was decided to develop new resources to aid active classroom teaching. These resources include material for self-teaching so that the student can acquire practical design skills when working away from the classroom. A procedure has been designed for student evaluation that is based on moderately difficult practical designs that have been developed using design tools and logical synthesis. This methodology provides added motivation for students as they find themselves tackling real problems associated with digital design. Evaluation is structured around three methods: completely specified designs, partially specified designs, and hardware-oriented physical implementation
TL;DR: This integrated software-development process enables students and engineers to understand and appreciate the important differences between floating-point simulations and fixed-point implementation considerations and applications.
Abstract: In this paper, a digital signal processing (DSP) software development process is described. It starts from the conceptual algorithm design and computer simulation using MATLAB, Simulink, or floating-point C programs. The finite-word-length analysis using MATLAB fixed-point functions or Simulink follows with fixed-point blockset. After verification of the algorithm, a fixed-point C program is developed for a specific fixed-point DSP processor. Software efficiency can be further improved by using mixed C-and-assembly programs, intrinsic functions, and optimized assembly routines in DSP libraries. This integrated software-development process enables students and engineers to understand and appreciate the important differences between floating-point simulations and fixed-point implementation considerations and applications.
TL;DR: In this paper, instructional material on the design of robust controllers that applies to introductory graduate or advanced undergraduate courses on control is provided and the use of recently developed techniques in robust control such as Hinfin, mu analysis, and synthesis is explored.
Abstract: In this paper, instructional material on the design of robust controllers that applies to introductory graduate or advanced undergraduate courses on control is provided. The main objective is the presentation of key concepts and interpretations that help students learn robust control design. The use of recently developed techniques in robust control such as Hinfin, mu analysis, and synthesis is explored. Emphasis is given to the modeling of the robust control problem with the system requirements described in a unified approach using weighting functions and linear fractional transformations (LFTs). Also, the results of a conventional lead-lag are included to reinforce the concept of robustness. The students should understand the basics of robust control using the MATLAB/Simulink platform and a hardware-in-the-loop experiment with a magnetic levitation system, which is considered a good plant for analysis and control design since it is a nonlinear unstable plant with practical use in high-speed transportation and magnetic bearings. The hardware-in-the-loop experiments are suitable for assessment during the final two semesters of engineering courses and are useful to further develop the students' skills in control engineering. The control algorithms are evaluated in the LabVIEW environment, which introduces the students to industrial platforms
TL;DR: A Web-based design tool named Microwave Engineering Solutions (MES) was developed as a graduate student project in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at North Dakota State University (NDSU), Fargo, and is described in this paper.
Abstract: Microwave engineering often involves extensive circuit analysis and design, typically requiring precise calculations. To expedite the handling of complicated design calculations, a Web-based design tool named Microwave Engineering Solutions (MES) was developed as a graduate student project in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at North Dakota State University (NDSU), Fargo, and is described in this paper. JavaScript, PHP, and Perl were used to develop MES, which consists of three design tools: 1) FilTech*a design tool for analog filters, 2) LMatch*a design tool for impedance matching, and 3) MicroLines*a design tool for striplines and microwave network analysis. MES is used by Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) students studying various aspects of electromagnetics and is freely available on the Web via the link at http://venus.ece.ndsu.nodak.edu//spl sim/ronelson/MESLink/index.html.
TL;DR: The combined results indicated that learners, in general, found that the introductory course contained useful content and that they could successfully apply processes learned in that course as part of a programming strategy.
Abstract: This paper reports the results of research that measured the value of integrating problem solving, algorithm development, pseudocode, and diagramming techniques into introductory computer science courses. The hypothesis was that the introduction of these topics prior to the introduction of a programming language would reduce the learning curve requirements and increase the success rate for beginning programmers. Posttest programming scores for like tests exhibited some difference within the sample, with the treatment group performing better than the control group. Members of the treatment group reported a better experience in the introductory course and saw more applicability for that course than members of the control group. In addition, treatment group members utilized pseudocode more consistently and applied the idea of drawing pictures to aid in writing code during their posttest experience. The combined results indicated that learners, in general, found that the introductory course contained useful content and that they could successfully apply processes learned in that course as part of a programming strategy.
TL;DR: Results obtained from the application/evaluation of a set of educational activities have been encouraging, indicating that the simulation program and the context of the activities can effectively support and enhance the learning process.
Abstract: In this paper, a Web-based educational setting for teaching the computer cache memory is presented, aiming at supporting and enhancing the learning process and promoting the active and constructive involvement of students. The educational setting includes Web text-based educational material, a Web-based cache memory simulation program, and educational activities that enable the students to participate actively in the learning process and to collaborate in groups. The design of the educational setting was based on the principles derived from the conceptual change approach regarding the students' theory framework, the students learning difficulties/misconceptions, the text comprehension theory, and contemporary teaching approaches. The results obtained from the application/evaluation of a set of educational activities have been encouraging, indicating that the simulation program and the context of the activities can effectively support and enhance the learning process.
TL;DR: From this course, students are able to obtain working knowledge of both real- time concepts and real-time programming for dynamic systems control.
Abstract: This paper describes a laboratory course in real-time software for dynamic systems control. In the first part of the course, real-time concepts employed by modern real-time operating systems are taught with laboratory assignments. In the second part, students are required to write real-time software for dynamic systems control using the concepts that they learned in the first part. Real-time programming is usually avoided in teaching a feedback control laboratory course, since it has generally been considered difficult. However, student evaluation results for this course show that real-time programming can be successfully included in a feedback control laboratory course. From this course, students are able to obtain working knowledge of both real-time concepts and real-time programming for dynamic systems control