©American Society for Engineering Education, 2023 WIP: Taking Responsibility to Understand Engineering (TRUE): Aqualitative investigation of students’ engineering self-efficacy as a result of participation in a multi-stakeholder capstone programAbstractThe recent Boyer 2030 commission report on undergraduate education at U.S. researchuniversities emphasized "World Readiness," referring to "a vision of undergraduate educationthat includes and goes beyond the essential goal of near-term workforce readiness toempower students for citizenship, life, and work throughout their lifetimes" [1, p.22]. In orderto optimize student learning and success towards "world readiness," we must empowerstudents to become agents of change in their own spaces
. He is interested in exploring how students learn computer science concepts and developing tools to assist them in the learning process ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2023 Teaching Computer Architecture with Spatial Ability Considerations1 IntroductionStudents’ spatial ability or ability to reason about visual images is highly correlated with successand retention in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Wai et al.[1] found that this correlation is particularly strong for computer science and engineeringdisciplines[1]. Many studies indicate that female students have lower spatial ability than malestudents and wealthy students
groups are summarized inTable 1.Students performed a frequency sweep of a high-pass RC filter circuit. The control groupstudents were assigned a version of the experiment using a discrete resistor, which produces nosensory output.Table 1: Summary of intervention groups Location Institution A Institution B Experiment Resistor only Speaker only Resistor first, Speaker first, (control) speaker second resistor second N 18 16 9 7 Assignment Homework assignment, submitted 2.5 hour lab, submitted at end of lab time
study to investigate how 5 students in a nanoelectronicscourse utilized this virtual reality cleanroom prototype and what changes they recommend toimprove its user interface and learner experience. The study population for this work-in-progressconsisted of students enrolled in a nanoelectronics course at GWU during the 2022-2023 schoolyear. Students taking this course can be undergraduate (junior or senior) or graduate (masters orPhD). The research questions for this study were 1) what is the user experience with the virtualreality cleanroom prototype, 2) what challenges, if any, did students experience, and 3) whatchanges did students recommend to improve the virtual reality cleanroom prototype learnerexperience? Preliminary results indicate
effort required and time commitment on the instructors’ andstudents’ behalf. Furthermore, we discussed how this methodology can serve as a new approachto satisfy the ABET Criterion 4 for continuous assessment efforts. Finally, we believe that thismethodology is generalizable and can scale to assess and improve students’ experiences inintroductory courses in a variety of engineering disciplines as well.1. Introduction1.1. Innovation in ECE EducationIntroductory Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) education is the essential basis uponwhich students build their interest in the field, grow their fundamental conceptual understandingof the governing laws and theories, and develop indispensable hands-on lab skills. In general,undergraduate ECE
cost and timeconstraints of laboratory courses, many faculty members have moved to a mobile studiopedagogy where the students are equipped with relatively low-cost laboratory equipment thatallows them to perform experiments and measurements outside the laboratory. This approach hasbeen implemented in a variety of individual courses, including introductory first-year courses[1], electronics [2], digital design [3], and communication systems [4], [5], [6]. Some authorshave reported on the use of mobile studio pedagogy in multiple courses [7], [8], and someschools have implemented the technique throughout the electrical engineering curriculum [9],[10], [11]. A helpful discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of various logistic options
the classroom more interactive. This helps studentssee right away if they're doing things right or wrong so they can fix mistakes as they go.In the early 1900s, a researcher named Jean Piaget found that kids understand things better whenthey do hands-on activities instead of just hearing facts [1]. And other experts like Meyers andJones agree that learning is more effective when students are actively involved, like reading,writing, talking, solving problems, or answering questions in a thoughtful way [2].Also, many studies have shown that technology and hands-on activities can help studentsunderstand how theory connects to real-life situations in engineering projects. This kind oflearning, called experimental-centric-based instructional
fix the deficiencies was not effective.While there are introductory level project-based courses in the first year, students do not haveenough technical background to make the projects technically challenging. While they may getsome teamwork experience from such courses, they usually only get very basic, if any, trainingin project management. This is why we decided to introduce our cornerstone courses in thesophomore year.We developed a two-quarter-long course sequence: one focused on design processes and anotheron project implementation [1-6]. We had two overarching goals: 1. Teach students design and project development well before senior Capstone projects. 2. Integrate various strands of electrical and computer engineering through
participation and negatively affect their depth of comprehension. As the field progressesand technology advances, there is an urgent demand for pedagogical strategies that foster deeperunderstandings and encourage active engagement among students.Concept mapping was developed by Joseph D. Novak and his colleague Alberto J. Ca˜nas in the1970s at Cornell University, when Novak was seeking to understand children’s knowledge ofscience [1, 2]. The theoretical foundation of the concept map is Ausubel’s theory of meaningfullearning [3, 4]. This theory emphasizes the importance of students actively linking newinformation to their existing knowledge [5, 6]. Concept maps serve as a visual tool that alignswith this principle, fostering meaningful learning by
)and its intersection with Internet of Things (IoT) hardware technologies, a vital focus must beplaced on fostering the growth and development of its specialized technical workforce in theElectrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and other related fields [1]. This strategic focus iscrucial given the escalating demand for proficiency in critical domains like embedded systemspaired with machine learning, sensor-driven big data analytics, edge computing, andcybersecurity [2]. The combination of AI and IoT, known as AIoT, embodies the convergence ofadvanced technologies that rely on seamless collaboration between AI algorithms and IoTinfrastructure. This integration drives innovation and efficiency across various industries,highlighting the urgent
retention and performance inengineering disciplines such as statics and mechanics [1-4]. Some Universities have addedrecitation hours to several foundation engineering courses or recitation courses have beendesigned to guarantee the recitation hours [1, 4]. In the recitation sessions, no new materials arecovered. Instructors use the recitation hours to answer questions, solve example problems,involve students in cooperative learning. Problem solving recitations offer students more practiceopportunities to correct their own core conceptual understanding and problem-solvingtechniques.Peer instruction [5-10] is also a well-documented pedagogical method to improve students’conceptual performance in engineering courses such as introductory computing
Birmingham, UK in 1978, and Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Sciences/Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware. He joined Villanova University in 1984 and has been faculty member there ever since. He has served as the Chair of the Middle Atlantic Section of ASEE, Zone 1 Chair, and has organized and hosted three regional ASEE conferences at Villanova University. Dr. Singh has published papers regularly at the ASEE Annual Conference and currently serves Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee of the IEEE Education Society on Diversity and Inclusion. In 2022, Dr. Singh was recognized with the IFEES Duncan Fraser Award for Excellence in Engineering Education.Dr. Susan M. Lord, University of San Diego Susan Lord is
Paper ID #43628A Trilogy for Teaching and Learning Digital Electronics and MicroprocessorsProf. Wei-Jer (Peter) Han, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2024 1. BackgroundAccording to the Moore’s law, which is the observation that the number of transistors in an integratedcircuit doubles about every two years. At present, one example of a GPU is the Nvidia H100, which has80 billion transistors on a single chip. At the same time, on August 9, 2022, the President of the UnitedStates signed the CHIPS and Science Act. All of the above mean the education of digital and
of custom PCBAs, presents the findings from our survey analyses, and discussesthe broader implications for active learning in engineering education.Background /Lit ReviewPCBAs are ubiquitous in modern electronics. They are the foundation for assembling electroniccircuits in consumer and industrial electronics. PCBAs enable the creation of compact, reliableelectronic devices, found in everything from smartphones and laptops to automotive electronicsand industrial machinery. Their importance in various sectors highlights the need for engineeringstudents to understand and work with PCBAs through hands-on application [1]. The design ofcustomized PCBAs is typically facilitated by computer-aided design (ECAD) software, whichallows for the precise
intricacies and depthof a student's development and progress. In contrast, capstone project data provides richqualitative, multidisciplinary, and context-driven information. However, they are morechallenging to quantify and assess, requiring a detailed rubric that aligns with the capstoneprojects’ objectives.Introduction:The mission of the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECEN) Program is to equip studentswith a robust foundation in engineering fundamentals, instill the highest standards of professionaland ethical behavior, and prepare them to meet the complex technical challenges of society. Theprogram’s educational objectives (PEO) [1] are directly related to the student outcomes (SO),which describe skills, knowledge, and behavior that our
in ECE Design Verification Curriculum Shruti Sharma, Mohamed Ghonim, Xiaoyu Song, Jin ZhangIntroductionVerification of modern-day computing systems is becoming a bottleneck, taking up to 70 % ofthe time and effort in the design cycle [1]. Traditional approaches to design verification includesimulation, where validation engineers create a test bench environment and develop test casesand checkers to monitor the behavior of the design. This presents several problems, includingthe long time taken to create the test bench infrastructure, long runtimes, and always posing thequestion of how many test cases would be enough to validate the design thoroughly. Longerruntimes for simulation are usually
Engineering Education, 2024 A Semiconductor Knowledge and Literacy Test for High School and Community College TeachersIntroductionIn recent years, the shortage of semiconductors has grown to be a worldwide issue. The first signof shortage appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic when the extended lockdown disruptedchip production. Meanwhile, the demand for computer chips increased as more people shifted toremote working. The chip shortage also revealed our country’s dependency on foreignmanufacturing, which soon became a geopolitical issue that involved supply chain resiliency andnational security concerns [1]. As a result, the US government introduced the 2022 Chips andScience Act to boost domestic semiconductor production
students to experimentwith signals and passive filter circuits.The equipment and components are compact enough to be easily packed, and transported by orshipped to students so they can perform the exercises at their home. Allowing the students tocomplete a prerequisite course for their degree path.Literature SurveyOnline lecture courses are widely available in many academic disciplines, including engineering.However, an engineering degree requires a student to take required laboratory courses, which aremore problematic to deliver online. Early attempts at online laboratories used the internet toconnect a laboratory setup at one location with a student user at another [1]. While a studentcould perform the experiment remotely, a technician was
since 2004, where he also served as the Dean of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from 2007 to 2009. Currently, he is the president of Tainan National University of the Arts. He has published more than 270 articles related to parallel computer systems, interconnection networks, path planning, electronic design automation, and VLSI systems design in journals, conference proceedings, and books. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2024 Enhancing Student Learning in Robot Path Planning Optimization through Graph-based Method Timothy Sellers1 , Tingjun Lei1 , Chaomin Luo1 , Zhuming Bi2 , and Gene Eu Jan3 1
practical experiments will play a crucial role in students’ understanding of theories theylearned through books and lectures, spark interests in and lead to their continuance in VLSIfields after graduation.Sophomore – Microelectronics IMicroelectronics I Microelectronics I course includes fundamentals to start understanding recent CMOStechnology for chip design. The course focus on studying theories of how CMOS devices workand how to utilize such in designing a system within a chip [1][2][3]. Previously, these weretaught through textbook or materials only. This leads to build a bridge between what studentslearn in school and the actual design skills used in practice in recent technology developments. The new curriculum collaborates with
hardware-description language (HDL) indigital-logic1 courses has increased significantly. Augmenting a digital-logic course with anHDL has had positive results as well as presented challenges. The strengths and drawbacks ofusing discrete TTL devices as opposed to FPGAs in an introductory digital-design course havebeen discussed in the ECE-teaching literature. For example, according to Nickels [1], manyinstitutions have incorporated—and in some cases, fully replaced labs using discrete TTL DIPparts with—programmable devices. In comparing TTL and FPGA design implementations interms of wiring, debugging, and pedagogy, Nickels concludes that in an introductory lab, seriouspedagogical drawbacks in using programmable devices may impede their
are not just individual; they extend to societal levels, impactingeconomic stability, public safety, and national security. As cyber threats evolve in sophistication,the gap between technical security measures and the general public's understanding of thesethreats widens, leaving individuals and communities vulnerable to digital exploitation.Security literacy is the missing piece—a holistic understanding of practical computer security.It's not just about memorizing rules; it's about empowering individuals to make informeddecisions. Here's why it matters: 1. Context Matters: Security literacy places knowledge within context. Instead of isolated bullet points, it provides the "why" behind security practices. When faced with a novel
within the Electrical and Computer Engineering curriculum.Many ECE students sense a knowledge gap or an overwhelming feeling of inability whendealing with mathematics or certain rigorous topics. Electromagnetics is one of the courses thatpresent these challenges [1], [2]. This paper introduces newer approaches, demonstrating howembedded hands-on experiences provide visualization and enhance the students’ learning process.First, authors from two different institutions identified gaps in curriculum continuity, specificallyconsidering the electromagnetic course. The authors then conducted a survey that includedquestions about students' 1) prerequisite courses and readiness, 2) confidence levels beforestarting the course, and 3) connections between
-level understanding of thedifferent algorithms taught in class and aided in recalling the materials as they prepared for theexams. In future iterations of the course, we plan to revise the language and frequency of theassignments to more effectively assess students' understanding of the theoretical concepts.1. IntroductionMachine learning courses are gaining more popularity in electrical and computer engineering(ECE) programs. They offer the students an opportunity to practice multiple concepts related toalgorithms and software programming while learning an important topic. A typical machine-learning course focusses on the theory of different machine learning algorithms during class timewhile focusing on programming and application in the
. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2024 Creating Learning Communities for Student Success in Gateway Discrete Linear SystemsAbstractWright State University is a multi-campus, public research university headquartered in Dayton,Ohio, which has one of the largest concentrations of electrical engineers and computer scientistsin the United States [1]. By the early twentieth century this region was well-known as a centerfor innovation and entrepreneurship, becoming the top site in the country in patents per capita in1903 when the university’s namesakes Orville and Wilbur Wright flew. Wright State Universitywas created in 1967 to meet the region’s needs for research, innovation and education and issituated
U.S. undergraduate institutions predominantly depend on traditional written exams forassessments. Oral assessments, specifically one-on-one interrogations of a student by a memberof the instructional staff, have existed as alternatives. However, their use has been limited,typically because of considerations regarding scalability, reliability, and student anxiety towardsthe novelty of such an assessment [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]. Nevertheless, they have also been shownto potentially promote important learning benefits. In several studies, attempts have been madeto implement oral assessments in various undergraduate courses, ranging from Engineering toMathematics courses, and some were conducted over periods of a few semesters [1], [2], [3], [4
Framework Development with Successive Capstone Projects1. IntroductionThe undergraduate program at the Portland State University Department of Electrical andComputer Engineering (PSU ECE) includes a three-quarter capstone design sequence typicallytaken during the student's senior year. For the last three years, and a fourth currently ongoing attime of writing, a capstone project has been sponsored by the author's Wireless EnvironmentalSensing Technology (WEST) Lab. The purpose of these sponsored capstones are as follows: 1. In the short term, design a wireless sensor to solve a specific problem. 2. In the long term, converge at a more general-purpose hardware and software solution set with which to design future wireless
makes students anintegral part of the learning process and enhances their self-assessment skills, ultimately aidingin their comprehension of their own cognitive processes. As a result, we strongly encourageinstructors to incorporate formative assessments into their teaching methodologies to assiststudents in honing their skills in the realm of system design.IntroductionIn the realm of education, assessment plays a pivotal role, serving as a fundamental toolemployed by both educators and students. It functions as a means to provide essential feedbackthat guides the ongoing learning process, enabling instructors to tailor their teaching methods toachieve the planned educational objectives [1] - [5]. Formative assessment, a concept central tothis