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Session 2548

An Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Course for Electronics Engineering Technology Students

Biswajit Ray Dept. of Physics & Engineering Technology Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Abstract Design of an instrumentation and data acquisition course for sophomore level electronics engineering technology students is presented. The course incorporates experiment design and problem-based learning as pedagogical tools. An assessment-verification-improvement process was implemented to incorporate class dynamics into the teaching/learning process. The course has defined learning and teaching objectives within the constraints of a project-oriented course. The major objective of the course is effective integration of hardware and software in designing computer controlled processes and/or systems with the aid of sensors, transducers, data acquisition board, and instrument control.

Introduction The ability to conduct and design experiments is rated as one of the highest desirable technical skills of engineering and engineering technology graduates1,2. Specifically, the survey indicates that employers want graduates with a working knowledge of data acquisition, analysis and interpretation; an ability to formulate a range of alternative problem solutions; and computer literacy specific to their profession. The Industrial Advisory Board of the EET program at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania recently reinforced the above need. Additionally, the advisory board wanted our students to be introduced to such experimental techniques and tools before they venture out for their first full-time semester-long coop experience. Potential employers of our graduates are in the automated manufacturing and testing sector of the industry; and that motivated the creation of an instrumentation and data acquisition course for the EET students. This course is offered during the fourth semester of the B.S. program, well before their first coop experience during the sixth semester.

For pedagogical reason, the problem-based learning (PBL)3,4 was adopted for this course. With PBL, students are empowered to self-direct their educational experience by designing experimental systems and/or subsystems against given specifications. It is an instructional method, which uses real-world problems to facilitate students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills while accomplishing the course objectives. Students get involved and take responsibility for their learning experience; and instructor becomes a resource. Instructor role changes to that of a consultant, mediator, counselor, and resident technical expert. The purpose of implementing PBL is to motivate the student to integrate and utilize knowledge rather than to re-involve the student into the learning process after an extended period of inactive listening. In

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education

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Ray, B. (2003, June), An Instrumentation And Data Acquisition Course For Electronics Engineering Technology Students Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12313