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Using Brightspace to Create Multi-Format Lab Manuals to Enhance Student Performance

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Conference

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 23, 2024

Start Date

June 23, 2024

End Date

July 12, 2024

Conference Session

Hands-On Learning in ET II

Tagged Division

Engineering Technology Division (ETD)

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/48228

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Paper Authors

biography

Jack Li Purdue University, Fort Wayne Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0003-3388-858X

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JACK LI is an assistant professor of electrical engineering technology in the School of Polytechnic at Purdue University Fort Wayne. He earned his BS, MS, and PhD degrees in electronics engineering.

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Abstract

Hands-on practices are very important for every engineering technology student, especially in courses that involve the use of a microprocessor. In microprocessor-related courses, such as Embedded Systems and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), lectures primarily focus on theorems, while specific microprocessors are used in labs. Students have to invest extra time in studying the basic material related to the specific microprocessor, which is not directly connected to the theorems. Typically, instructor demonstrations and lab manuals are widely used in engineering technology education. However, there are some disadvantages to both methods. An instructor demonstrates hands-on work in class, but students often have limited time for additional practice. Furthermore, it can be challenging for students to review in-class demonstrations after class, and most students are hesitant to watch class recordings due to their length. Although lab manuals usually provide step-by-step instructions, some students may lack reading comprehension skills or simply dislike reading instructions, leading to the possibility of skipping important steps. These disadvantages can significantly hinder student performance. In this project, short demonstration videos and instructions are combined using learning management software, such as Brightspace, within lab manuals. Students can follow these short videos to complete hands-on exercises, answer questions with the assistance of concise written instructions, and benefit from video explanations. The learning management software divides a longer learning process into manageable steps, accommodating students' study time and helping them track their progress. This approach caters to various learning styles, including visual, auditory, read/write, and hands-on methods, ultimately enhancing student performance.

Li, J. (2024, June), Using Brightspace to Create Multi-Format Lab Manuals to Enhance Student Performance Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/48228

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