Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Innovations

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark Nagurka, Marquette University; Fernando Rodriguez Anton, Marquette University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

. The 100m2 Laboratory incorporates areas for teaching and training, andstudent-centered learning activities were specifically designed to foster student exploration withreal-world hardware, machines, and physical systems. These activities promote “hands-on” and“minds-on” learning, and reflect the spirit of transformational learning that is a theme in theCollege of Engineering. The Laboratory is equipped with workbenches, tools, instruments, computers, data acquisi-tion systems, and an assortment of machines and mechanical systems to enhance creative explo-ration and investigation. The machines and systems include motorcycle engine assemblies(engines and transmissions), bicycles (including a chainless bicycle and a custom front-wheel-drive

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hirak C Patangia, University of Arkansas, Little Rock

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

as coauthors. He was the first recipient of an NSF research initiation grant (now CAREER Award) at UALR. He has a strong grant funding record and in 2011, he received funding from NSF for curriculum development in the area of Photo-voltaic (PV) Solar Energy. The project involves developing exemplary course modules and innova- tive laboratory modules for adaptation at other schools for undergraduate/graduate teaching and research. Recently, he completed three projects for Arkansas Highway and Transportation department related to highway lighting using solar energy. He established a commercial PV system with solar panels on the rooftop of ETAS building for teaching and research with funding from Arkansas Energy

Conference Session

Rethinking Engineering Writing

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Steven R Walk, Old Dominion University

Tagged Divisions

Liberal Education/Engineering & Society

prompts in this first implementation ofLtW in a laboratory setting: that students might not be ready to “put in their own words”concepts and phenomena they have yet to contemplate outside of the standard language anddiscipline of use in their electrical courses to date.As part of the author’s university quality enhancement programs, and the Learning throughWriting program specifically, the author is seeking the advice and assistance of the programleaders to review the results of this first implementation and consider extensions orimprovements based on the observed outcomes and student responses.Bibliography 1. Baren, R., 1993. “Teaching Writing in Required Undergraduate Engineering Courses: A Materials Course Example,” Journal of

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yalcin Ertekin, Drexel University (Engineering Technology); Irina Nicoleta Ciobanescu Husanu, Drexel University (Tech.); Radian G Belu, Drexel University (Tech.); Jack G. Zhou, Drexel University (Eng.)

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Page 23.1357.7 client is built into all versions of Windows. To connect to virtual computer, student needs to enter the IP address of the remote computer, and it asks you for the login and password. Total machining process simulation that includes selecting the workpiece, zeroing the workpiece, select and measure tools, select the right operation mode for the machine and clearing all the alarms can be performed virtually using Swansoft software. One of the difficulties teaching in ET-mechanical laboratory is that students may not be able to see what the instructor showing on the machine control panel especially when the class size is big. This problem is overcome by using simulation package of Swansoft CNC (SSCNC), which

Conference Session

Visualization tools and uses in graphics

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kathy Schmidt Jackson, The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence; Conrad Tucker, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Gül E. Okudan Kremer, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Design Graphics

Science, 75, 451-456.13. Ma, J. & Nickerson, J.V. (2006). Hands-on, simulated and remote Laboratories: A comparative literature review. ACM Computing Surveys, 38(3), Article No. 7, 1-24.14. Sarasin, L. C. (1999). Learning style perspectives: Impact in the classroom. Madison, WI: Atwood Publishing.15. Leopold, C., Gorska, R., &. Sorby, S. (2001). International experiences in developing the spatial visualization abilities of engineering students. Journal for Geometry and Graphics, 5(1), 81– 91.16. McLaren, S.V. (2008). Exploring perceptions and attitudes towards teaching and learning manual technical drawing in a digital age. International Journal of Technology and Design, 18(2), 167-188.17. Philpot, T.A., Hubing

Conference Session

Statics & Strength of Materials - A nice couple

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stephen Boedo, Rochester Institute of Technology (COE); Elizabeth A. DeBartolo, Rochester Institute of Technology (COE); Matthew Kasemer, Rochester Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

necessary time to teach more than just the high cycle fatigue that is coverednow. With a large portion of mechanical engineers at RIT concentrating their coursework inspecialized areas such as aerospace and biomedical engineering, the need to describe thebehavior of complex alloys that may be subjected to higher stresses becomes even greater. Forthis work, we have implemented a fatigue lab activity as one of the four case studies in thecourse.Laboratory DesignDuring the spring of 2012, a laboratory activity involving both LCF and HCF fatigue conceptswas created to meet a set of design constraints and allow easy incorporation of this activity intoan existing course. To clearly illustrate the impact of low cycle fatigue within the timeconstraints of

Collection

2013 Pacific Southwest Section Meeting

Authors

Matthew T. Siniawski; Adam R. Carberry; Rafiqul I. Noorani

A Project-based Approach for a Design and Manufacturing Laboratory Course Matthew T. Siniawski1, Adam R. Carberry2, Rafiqul I. Noorani1 1 - Loyola Marymount University / 2 - Arizona State UniversityAbstractAn upper-division design and manufacturing laboratory course for mechanical engineeringstudents was redesigned to incorporate a semester-long project. The goal of the project was toprovide students with an experience applying the design process to develop a simple product, amanual bottle opener. During the design process, students individually generated a conceptualdesign, created a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) model of their design

Collection

2013 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

Emilio C. Piesciorovsky; Noel N. Schulz

that are represented Figure 4: US Inverse U2 Curves based on Relay Manuals6 and 7 The objectives of the Burns and McDonnell - K-State Relay by Equation (1). In this experiment a delay time (breaker-arc-flash plus communication Bibliography Smart Grid Laboratory are: Setting delay time) of four cycles (67 milliseconds) was considered. The results were based on RTS-AMS collecting the measured relay and clearing times for the primary and backup relay. The 1 Kezunovic M., “Teaching the Smart Grid

Collection

2013 Pacific Southwest Section Meeting

Authors

Bridget Benson; Bryan Mealy

Work In Progress: Teaching Introductory Digital Design Online Bridget Benson, Bryan Mealy Electrical Engineering Department California Polytechnic State University San Luis ObispoAbstractAdvances in technology have created unique opportunities for teaching digital design courses.Students in the course no longer need to be present in the laboratory in order to obtain practicalhands on experience and master the course material as students can complete laboratoryassignments at home using relatively inexpensive commercial off the shelf developmentplatforms and free software design tools. In addition, eLearning tools such as Moodle, YouTube,chat rooms, and

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brian J Skromme, Arizona State University; Qiao Wang, Arizona State University; Paul Rayes, Arizona State University; John M Quick, Arizona State University; Robert Kenneth Atkinson, Arizona State University; Tim Frank, South Mountain Community College

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

with a joint appointment in the School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems Engineering in the Ira A. Schools of Engineering and the Division of Educational Leadership and Innovation in the Mary Lou Fulton Teacher’s College.Dr. Tim Frank, South Mountain Community College Page 23.1146.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2013 Teaching Linear Circuit Analysis Techniques with ComputersAbstractWe describe recent progress in the development of a step-based computer-based tutoring systemto aid in the teaching of introductory linear circuit analysis courses, and

Collection

2013 Spring ASEE Middle Atlantic Section Conference

Authors

Yaseen Mahmud; Masud Salimian

Digital Media Enhances Manufacturing Processes Teaching and Learning Mr. Yaseen Mahmud, Dr. Masud Salimian Yaseen.mahmud@morgan.edu Masud.salimian@morgan.edu Morgan State University Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, Maryland 21251 $EVWUDFW The challenge of teaching a population of digital natives in the contemporary brick and mortar campus requires the use of innovative techniques not only to maintain student interest

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Education Technical Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chi N. Thai, University of Georgia; Yan-Fu Kuo, National Taiwan University; Ping-Lang Yen, National Taiwan University

Tagged Divisions

Biological & Agricultural

Paper ID #7397Cooperative Teaching in a Distance Education EnvironmentDr. Chi N. Thai, University of Georgia Dr. C. N. Thai is an associate professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. He teaches courses in Robotics, Machine Vision and Systems Simulation. His research areas are in theater robotics and spectral imaging for plant health and quality characterization of agricultural products.Prof. Yan-Fu Kuo, National Taiwan UniversityDr. Ping-Lang Yen, National Taiwan University Dr. Ping-Lang Yen was born in 1966. He received his B.S. degree from the Dept. of Power Mechanical Engineering at National

Conference Session

New Trends in ECE Education II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Margret Hjalmarson, George Mason University; Jill K Nelson, George Mason University; Lisa G. Huettel, Duke University; Wayne T. Padgett, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Kathleen E. Wage, George Mason University; John R. Buck, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

and earned her MS and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Duke University. Her research interests are focused on engineering education, curriculum and laboratory development, and applications of statistical signal processing.Dr. Wayne T. Padgett, Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyProf. Kathleen E. Wage, George Mason UniversityProf. John R. Buck, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth Page 23.402.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2013Developing Interactive Teaching Strategies for Electrical Engineering FacultyOverviewThe goal of this project is to develop a model

Conference Session

Engineering Ethics Division Technical Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Martin S. High, Oklahoma State University; Scott D Gelfand, Oklahoma State University, Department of Philosophy; Ronald Steve Harrist Ph.D., Oklahoma State University; Shelia M. Kennison, Oklahoma State University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Ethics

Paper ID #6145Lessons Learned from Teaching with an Ethics ToolkitDr. Martin S. High, Oklahoma State University Dr. Marty High is an associate professor of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. His academic interests include teaching in all areas and at all levels of chemical engineering with a focus on instruction in thermodynamics and mass transfer. His research interests are in the areas of mass transfer in polymeric systems, corrosion modeling, equation of state development and refinery catalysis. Marty also writes in the area of sustainability and on the intersection of law, science and society. He

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John M Robertson, Arizona State University, Polytechnic campus; Kathleen Meehan, Virginia Tech; Robert John Bowman, Rochester Institute of Technology (COE); Kenneth A Connor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Douglas A Mercer, Analog Devices Inc.

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

) Robert J. Bowman has held faculty positions at the University of Utah, the University of Vermont, the University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology and has consulted or has held engineer- ing positions with a number of companies. He was Director of Analog and Mixed-Signal Engineering at LSI Logic until 2001 and then became Department Head of Electrical Engineering at RIT. Dr. Bow- man is now Professor of Electrical Engineering and Lab Director of the RIT Analog Devices Integrated Microsystems Laboratory. His areas of interest include analog integrated circuit design and technology, semiconductor device physics, and integrated transducers. His current research work is concentrated on smart MEMs sensors

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wagdy H Mahmoud, University of the District of Columbia; Nian Zhang, University of the District of Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

. Efforts to Page 23.1076.2introduce adaptive filters to undergraduate students through practical applications, and to createbasic and advanced laboratory exercises and projects suitable for undergraduate students hasbeen reported in [3 - 4].This paper details our effort to incorporate the teaching of software/hardware design toolsthrough some of the practical applications of adaptive filters. The main goals of such effort is: i)to prepare our undergraduate senior students for professional careers in industry or graduatestudies; ii) familiarize our students with state-of-the-art software/hardware design tools,Intellectual property (IP) component and

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alexander Ganago, University of Michigan; Sudarshan Sivaramakrishnan, University of Michigan

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

on the sensory perception of the sounds of music. Here weexplain the content of each project and its place in the sequence of rigorous measurements ofstandard signals; provide examples of lab data, and summarize the feedback from students andfrom the lab instructors in a large class.IntroductionAmong the challenges of teaching introductory courses in Electrical Engineering (EE) to non-EEengineering majors is the creation of laboratory projects that provide students an insightfulhands-on experience, which would ü Closely relate to theory and applications ü Elucidate abstract EE concepts, and ü Develop fundamental skills that can be readily applied to projects and environments that non-EE majors would encounter.The constraints

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Innovations

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nicholas Langhoff, San Francisco State University; Sergey Dusheyko, San Francisco State University; McKenzie Suzanne Campagna, San Francisco State University; Ozkan Celik, San Francisco State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

control systemsinstructional labs. With Arduino-based data acquisition, a low-cost sensor, and inexpensivehardware manufacturing, the build cost for our plant totals to approximately $150. This serves as Page 23.65.12an affordable and accessible solution to engineering departments seeking to outfit controlsystems or mechatronics laboratory classrooms with multiple laboratory setups for significantlyincreased opportunity for hands-on learning experience.References[1] C. Richard, A. M. Okamura, and M. R. Cutkosky, “Getting a feel for dynamics: Using haptic interface kits for teaching dynamics and controls,” in Proceedings of 1997 ASME IMECE 6th

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dale N. Buechler, University of Wisconsin, Platteville; Phil J Sealy Jr., University of Wisconsin, Platteville; John R Goomey, University of Wisconsin, Platteville

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

recently web-based discussionforums have been added allowing students to more easily communicate with other students in thecourse.On-site lab offeringsLaboratories play a major role in our electrical engineering curriculum. All but one of our EEcourses (Electric and Magnetic Fields) have an integrated laboratory component. Faculty teachboth the lecture and the laboratory portions of the class (no teaching assistants). We feel thathands-on application of theory is a strong component of good learning. Most of our courseshave significant design projects. In our entry level courses, laboratory experiments are used toverify theoretical concepts and to teach the students how to use basic lab equipment. Facultytake an active role in the lab and are

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tan Ma, Florida International University; Osama A. Mohammed, Florida International University; Ahmed Taha Elsayed, Florida International University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

, he was a research/teaching assistant in the Faculty of Engineering, Benha University. Heis currently a research assistant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, College of En-gineering and Computing, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA. His current researchinterests are Smart Grids, Renewable energy sources, Smart Operation and Energy Management of PowerSystems. Energy Systems Research Laboratory, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Col-lege of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida. Page 23.454.2 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2013 Educational

Conference Session

Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Innovations

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John R. Baker, University of Kentucky; Vincent Capece, University of Kentucky

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

software can provide students anexcellent visual learning experience in some cases. Another approach is to produce slow-motionvideo recordings of actual high speed physical events. However, professional-level high speedvideo equipment can cost thousands of dollars. Due to budgetary constraints, expensive high-speed video equipment is not affordable for many academic programs. This paper describes useof an affordable "off-the-shelf" camera that can record video at up to 1000 frames per second(fps) to assist in the teaching of a mechanical vibrations course and a fluid mechanics course in amechanical engineering curriculum. Examples used in the vibrations and fluid mechanicsclasses are overviewed, and lessons learned are discussed. In some cases

Conference Session

Teaching - Best Practices

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ismail Fidan Ph.D., Tennessee Technological University; Julie C Baker Ph.D., Tennessee Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing

StateCurriculum), and CTE (Tennessee State Curriculum) standards for the 9th and 10th gradesincluding the embedded student performance standards for engineering and technology.Tennessee Tech University engineering and education faculty members co-teach the contentmodules in order to solidify the content knowledge sets while they increase the comprehensionand engagement of the teachers. A number of the state-of-the-art teaching with technologyconcepts are an essential part of this project as such remotely accessible laboratory, computer-aided design, computer-aided simulation, and AM [4]. DTF teacher-participants learn andpractice the infrastructure of current remotely accessible rapid prototyping laboratory given inFigure 2. They gain to adapt and

Conference Session

Laboratory Development in ECE II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mario Simoni, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Maurice F. Aburdene, Bucknell University; Farrah Fayyaz, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

Paper ID #6528Analog-Circuit-Based Activities to Improve Introductory Continuous-TimeSignals and Systems CoursesDr. Mario Simoni, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Dr. Simoni is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN.Prof. Maurice F. Aburdene, Bucknell University Maurice Felix Aburdene is a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Professor of Computer Science at Bucknell University. His teaching and research interests include control systems, parallel algorithms, simulation of dynamic systems, and signal processing.Ms. Farrah Fayyaz, Purdue

Conference Session

Laboratory Experiences in Electronics and Circuits

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jodi Reeves, National University; Bhaskar Sinha, National University; Mohammad N Amin, National University; Arthur Strum Davis

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

Paper ID #6793Innovations in Remote Laboratories & Simulation Software for Online andOn-Site Engineering StudentsDr. Jodi Reeves, National University Dr. Jodi Reeves is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Engineering at National University in San Diego, CA. She teaches courses in design engineering, engineering management, electric circuits, and other applied engineering courses. She is also the lead faculty for the Data Analytics program in the School of Engineering, Technology, and Media at National University. Prior to academia, she worked for almost ten years as a quality control manager

Conference Session

NSF Grantees' Poster Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Irina Nicoleta Ciobanescu Husanu, Drexel University (Tech.); Yalcin Ertekin, Drexel University (Tech.); Radian G Belu, Drexel University (Tech.)

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

, and misalignment of machine tool elements.Geometric errors are also affected by the thermal state of the machine tool structure. Henceprocess and structural factors affecting part accuracy in machining processes are quitecomplicated. CNC machine tools only minimizes a small portion of these errors since CNC oftendoes not utilize sensor data to compensate for geometric-thermal errors and errors generated bythe cutting process. Therefore, we must provide our students, through our curriculum, with anadequate level of expertise through new programs, courses and support laboratories.This paper is focused on description of new laboratory modules, teaching materials, practicalexperiments and projects developed as an integrated educational

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning through Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Georgia L Harris, NIST

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

Metrology CoursesAbstractMeasurement scientists work in calibration laboratories throughout the world. Yet, there are fewuniversity level courses available that cover the critical topics needed for performing andanalyzing precision measurements – at the desired level. Many continuing education courses ofthis nature are taught by National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and original equipmentmanufacturers (OEMs) of precision measuring equipment and measurement standards. Whatoften happens in the measurement community is that subject matter experts and scientists whobest know about measurements are asked to teach courses and tutorials, but most do not have abackground in educational models or adult education principles.Over the past 3 years, the National

Collection

2013 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Authors

E. Carl Greco; Jim D. Reasoner; Scott Jordan

Efficacy of an Individualized, Self-Contained Instrumentation System in Electric Circuits Laboratory E. Carl Greco1, Jim D. Reasoner1 and Scott Jordan2 1 Electrical Engineering & 2Mathematics Departments Arkansas Tech UniversityAbstractA study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of a teaching protocol employing anindividualized, self-contained laboratory system for instruction in a fundamental electricalcircuits laboratory. For purpose of evaluation, students were divided into three groups withacademic matching between two of the groups. The control group utilized traditional laboratoryequipment and performed

Conference Session

Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning through Laboratory Experiences

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bridget M. Smyser, Northeastern University; Gregory J Kowalski, Northeastern University

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

study is to determine whether these skills have been carried over into the twosemester capstone design course. If the earlier course is effective in teaching experimentaldesign and laboratory techniques, this should translate to more sophisticated experimental designand execution in the capstone design course. To determine whether these concepts have beenretained in the capstone design course, design reports were examined to note the instances ofspecific Measurements and Analysis topics in the design projects. Reports were examined forstudent populations that had taken the revised course and were compared to reports for studentswho had taken the original course with two different instructors. Both the number of topicsaddressed and the number of

Conference Session

Laboratory Experiences in Mechanical, Materials and Thermal Systems

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Allison L. Sieving, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University; Marcia Pool, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Trisha Eustaquio, Purdue University; Rajtarun Madangopal, Purdue University; Alyssa Panitch PhD; Kate Stuart, Purdue University; Ann E Rundell, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Scott Alan Jewett

Tagged Divisions

Division Experimentation & Lab-Oriented Studies

- plementing undergraduate laboratory and lecture courses that address the evolving needs of biomedical engineers, and managing the ABET assessment program for the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineer- ing.Dr. Marcia Pool, Purdue University, West Lafayette Dr. Marcia A. Pool is an Instructional Laboratory Coordinator in the Weldon School of Biomedical En- gineering at Purdue University. She is responsible for overseeing and assessing junior level laboratories, bioinstrumentation and biotransport, and is involved with teaching and mentoring students in the Senior Design Capstone course. Recently, she has worked with colleagues to plan and implement a problem- based learning approach to the biotransport laboratory to improve

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ghulam H. Bham, University of Alaska, Anchorage; Dan Cernusca, Missouri University of Science & Technology

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering

was to introduce traffic safetyusing the ArcGIS software. An iterative process using several implementation cycles helped theinstructor to refine the structure of instructional tasks based on student-centered feedback asdescribed in the following subsections. The iterative refining process covered four semesters,Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010 and Spring 2011.Nature of Instructional ActivitiesThe nature of instructional activity in the GIS laboratory changed throughout the fourimplementation cycles. During first two semesters the GIS laboratory was a stand-aloneinstructional activity placed at the beginning of the course with minimal classroom support fromthe teaching assistants. The assumption was that students will fully use the GIS