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Rationale: Technical skills are best developed by hands-on activities. Providing as many opportunities as possible for students to build and troubleshoot circuits leads to effective and proficient technicians/engineers. With the introduction of the HP mobile computer lab, lecture presentations have become efficient and streamlined. We can integrate graphics and circuit diagrams within presentations that are more detailed rather than drawing them on a board. This results in a more efficient use of class which leads to more hands-on experience in the lab.
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Implementation (pedagogy) Lecture - Up to this point lectures have been delivered in a traditional format - use of the whiteboard for text and drawings and PowerPoint presentations. With the introducton of the HP tablets, we now save all PowerPoint files in Windows Journal. Out students can open the Journal files on their tablet, annotate the file and save to their USB drives to review and study at a later date. Lab - Building circuits (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic) is imperative to effectively teach an industrial engineering course. However it consumes a great deal of time. As a result there are only a limited number of circuits that can be built and then used for troubleshooting exercises. Using simulation software, we can create many more opportunities to build and troubleshoot circuits.
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Communicating with a smart controller
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Implementation (technology) With the addition of the tablets to the classroom, we are implementing the use of GenevaLogic Vision software which will result in true classroom collaboration. We build and troubleshoot many circuits (electric, hydraulic and pneumatic). With the Vision software, the networked tablets can share any of the students work with the rest of the class which will allow us to take training to levels we never dreamed of before. With the addition of the tablets to the lab, our lab facilities have grown exponentially. For example, we can use real-time video from a Web cam to deliver machine operation to a lab setting. Students are taking the tablets throughout the college campus to compile an arc flash study of the college electrical distribution system. Lectures are being saved not only as Windows Journal files but also as narrated PowerPoint files loaded onto a WebCT platform. This will enable us to create a hybrid course in which more class time can be spent in the lab or collaboratively solving problems. Software being used in the class and lab includes: Class management software: GenevaLogic Vision Simulation software used in lab: Multisim, EasyPower, Automation Studio, LogixPro
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Impact on Teaching We will harness the power of this technology to deliver course content in a more efficient and visual format that will result in greater student retention and success. Our objectives include: 1. Deliver core content to students in the form of PowerPoint files and simulation circuits/drawings. These can be self-annotated in Windows Journal and saved by the students on their flash drives. 2. Self-paced learning will be delivered online. The content is already available from our department, our Academic Support Center, and various Internet sites. 3. Expand the scope of our lab presence with wireless tablet computers. 4. Immediate answers to questions raised in class by accessing the Internet. Measurements will include: 1. This technology can be used to receive instant feedback from students (in the form of minute quizzes) to ensure that they understand concepts being discussed. 2. Track and record the amount and depth of material covered. 3. Track student retention. 4. Number of students transferring to four year engineering program.
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Impact on Student Learning Year of implementation: In all six courses where the tablet PC's were used the students were able to cover more material in a shorter period of time, leaving more time available for lab opportunities. It was noted in a class in which the tablets were used extensively, we covered one additional chaprter (12more material) in 6 fewer hours of classtime. It should be pointed out that the test averages were 1higher than in the previous year's class. Anecdotally we have two 2007 graduates matriculating to a four year engineering program. Year to come: As we fully implement the quizzing tools and classroom management software we anticipate significant improvements in student learning.
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Weldon Larkin & Jon Adams; live update of machine documentation
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Quick Facts Dept: Electrical & Automation Technology Courses Impacted: 15 # Students Impacted: 180 # Faculty Involved: 3 This program prepares students to step into the world of automation as industrial technicians. The program emphasis is on electrical power and control. Students are also exposed to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Many students opt to continue their education in engineering.
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Mark Lundy & Rick Reardon
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Contact Us Mark Lundy, mlundy@emcc.edu Rick Reardon, rreardon@emcc.edu
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References & Publications
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