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Enhancing students’ learning in Electronics Engineering Technology courses by using mobile Tablet PC technology Chao Li G. Thomas Bellarmine Leon Prosper Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University {chao.li, gnanasigamani.bellar, leon.prosper}@famu.edu Abstract

In this article, the authors address a modern method of instruction using the new instructional technology in the classroom. This project is funded by Hewlett Packard (HP) Higher Education Grant. The main objective of this project is to integrate the use of wireless/mobile technology in classroom instruction to improve teaching and learning. A wireless LAN (Local Area Network) composed of Tablet PCs was setup. Special interactive software was installed. The platform to deliver some of the EET (Electronics Engineering Technology) courses was developed. These EET courses were redesigned to adapt to the new system. Evaluations from the students showed that they are learning more and concentrating on the subject matter. They overwhelmingly gave positive feedback to this new instructional system. Feedback from all the instructors is positive as well. We plan to include more courses using this new system in the future.

Introduction

One of the challenges facing faculty in Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) today, is how to deliver more effective lectures to students in the classroom. In our program, most of the courses are being taught in a traditional way. The instructors stand in front of the students and explain the material while writing on the dry erase board. The students sit at the desk, listening and taking notes. There is no doubt that the traditional way of teaching is still very effective and efficient. On the other hand, the shortcoming of this teaching method is that it is mainly a one way communication. Our faculties have always been trying hard to make class more interactive, because interactive instruction provides knowledge check and assessment1. This assessment obtained can lead to some modification of the instruction to cater to students’ needs. But one problem commonly encountered by most instructors is that the interaction within the classroom is typically limited to only a few motivated and active students. The students whose performances are not satisfactory and who actually need more attention often tend to remain quiet when an instructor solicits answers from them. Those students usually are less confident about themselves and they do not want to be put in the spot by answering questions in front of the entire class. Therefore faculties need to find ways to get feedback from these students in way without hurting their feelings.

Hewlett Packard Teaching Grant

The Hewlett Packard Higher Education Grant2 provided us with the means and tools to implement new instructional methods to meet this challenge. In 2008, we were awarded the HP Higher Education Grant. The grant includes 20 Tablet PCS with wireless features, and a wireless access points. Also included are printer, camera and cash award. W ith this grant, we proposed to accomplish the following objectives.

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Li, C., & Bellarmine, G. T., & Prosper, L. (2009, June), Enhancing Students? Learning In Electronic Engineering Technology Courses By Using Mobile Tablet Pc Technology Paper presented at 2009 Annual Conference & Exposition, Austin, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--5635