. Page 13.1328.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 Using an Educational Microprocessor Architecture and FPGA Implementation to Introduce InterruptsAbstractThe use of interrupts is an important topic in the use of computers. Interrupts provide themeans for a computer to quickly respond to significant real-world events. Unlike polling,which is suitable for interfacing slow peripherals, interrupts provide a more efficientmeans to interface with devices. Interrupts are generally considered to be advanced andunfortunately, the topic can be a challenge to present to students. In computerarchitecture in particular, the topic of interrupts is often overly abstracted, which canmake learning about interrupts
). Figure 2. The relationship between the real world and the model world in model-based reasoning. The “decoding” path represents the traditional view. Figure 3. Progress of research on the topic—an overview.The traditional, decontextualized view on mathematical learning (Circle 1) has been described by Lesh &Doerr (2003) as one that gives little attention to real-life situations. In the traditional view, learning tosolve real life problems is viewed as a subset of a more general problem-solving skills that relies onheuristics. Solving real life problems, in this view, is only pursued in the classroom if time permits andviewed only as an application of the preceding
themes and/or active learning are not typically present.The learning modules employ active, experiential learning through team-based activities thatbring contextualized experience into the classroom, allowing students at the different institutionsto deepen their "real-world understanding." This paper examines the expansion of a peer networkof engineering educators that facilitate the collaborative development of module sets, making iteasy for faculty at research I (research extensive) universities, community colleges and nationallaboratories to incorporate challenges and experiential learning into higher education classrooms.The expansion of the peer network revealed that experiential learning modules and thetransformation of higher education is
supplemental readings prior to each engineering discipline’s discipline specific lessonproviding background knowledge for each activity. Students were tasked to work in groups on anopen-ended project applying knowledge of the six disciplines introduced throughout theprogram. Problem-based learning through the assigned project allowed students to develop skillssuch as teamwork, oral communication, time management and project management. During thefinal program session, students gave an oral presentation to peers, parents and programinstructors detailing their design solutions to a real-world problem. Evaluation instruments of theoutreach program’s design included pre- and post-questionnaires for assessment of theinteractive sessions, and their impact
, and, alternate testmethods2. Options for Using Performance Test Codes in the Undergraduate CurriculumThere are several reasons to consider using PTCs in the instruction of future mechanicalengineers; most of them stem from the fact that these documents come from the “real world” ofengineering and business practice. By studying and using PTCs, students can: • Learn about the significance of Codes and Standards in engineering practice • Become familiar with complex, real world equipment and systems (e.g., steam turbines and steam generators) – as opposed to the simple schematic representation in textbooks. • Be aware of applications of the engineering sciences of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer
), which emphasizesiterative cycles of design, implementation, and evaluation [23]. These frameworks alloweducators to refine their teaching practices based on real-world feedback, ensuring thatsustainability education remains responsive to evolving industry needs [17]. The application ofdigital technologies within these frameworks has been shown to improve both teachingeffectiveness and student outcomes, making them an essential component of modernsustainability education [24].Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Pedagogical InnovationSustainability challenges require a systems-thinking approach that transcends traditionalacademic silos. Collaborative educational models that integrate architecture, engineering, andenvironmental sciences have been
enhance computational thinking but also cultivate teamwork andcommunication skills [3]. PBL fosters a deeper understanding of abstract concepts by grounding them intangible, real-world applications. For example, implementing algorithms for data sorting or artificialintelligence in practical scenarios allows students to see the direct impact of their work.Additionally, PBL in computer science often integrates interdisciplinary approaches. Projects maycombine elements of mathematics, physics, and design, encouraging students to view problems frommultiple perspectives. The iterative nature of PBL—where students define a problem, prototypesolutions, and refine their work based on feedback—closely mirrors industry practices, preparingstudents for
that demonstrated strong long-term benefits within the other twosubcategories. For example, within the teaching strategies subcategory, 53% of TeacherPartners responded that their ability to use real-world applications in the classroom had“improved” and another 30% reported “significant improvement.” In response to comfort withhands-on activities, 35% reported no change and only 29% to either “improved” or “significantlyimproved.” While it is desirable that two-thirds reported “improved” or better, it is discouragingthat the remaining one-third did not have any improvement in their level of comfort with hands-on activities, after having a Fellow in their classroom for a full year. It is possible that many ofthe teachers considered themselves
clinical settings and of real life problems I should be expecting as an engineer.” “I expect to gain insight on what the real world applications of the biomedical engineering field are and what might really interest me as career/internship/research pathways after I graduate.” “Taking this course, I will develop greater insight into what I will be doing in the field when I graduate. Through the clinical observations and discussions, my problem-solving and leadership skills will improve while my experience and knowledge in biomedical engineering will increase.” “When I research biomedical engineering, what I find generally gives a narrow look and broad explanation at what exactly I can do with my degree. Although I am very interested in what I find
benefit from these exercises was to familiarize the student with the process ofspecifying an actual control device (for example, a switch) from a catalog. TheAutomationdirect.com7 web site contains, in addition to the Koyo PLC’s, a selection ofsensors and switches as illustrated below. Figure 7 - Examples of Automationdirect.com Sensor CatalogHaving the students prepare a materials list as a part of the project added a sense of total costversus value to the project. This is a large benefit to the student in applying their knowledge Page 6.1119.8to real world applications Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering
domainfor technologies for care taking for the elderly, toward promoting ageing in place (i.e., at home),motivating cognitive and physical exercise toward delaying the onset of dementia, and providingcompanionship to mitigate isolation and depression.” 1 The experience gained in this type ofproject include1-3 software development for real-world applications, practical troubleshootingexperience, project management, time management, and report writing. All of which, from aprospective employer’s viewpoint, is highly desired in any technical field. This type ofbackground on a student’s resume will make them standout in the job application process.Small business research companies can benefit in a number of ways from this type ofcollaboration with a
"overall, thisis an excellent course", with the Department mean at 3.7 (standard deviation of 0.36), where 5 ="strongly agree".This is not to say that students are uniformly happy with the nature of the course. The fact thatassessment is based to a degree on the performance of a robot (that the students have admittedlyconfigured and programmed) leads to inevitable “real-world” frustration, when what workedperfectly in pre-testing, fails in final testing due to unanticipated hardware failures or softwarebugs. “Real-world” assessment in an academic environment can be problematic.In recent years, at the end of the course the students are asked: “Name three positive things thatyou’ve learned in the class that you think will be of value to you in your
project.A field trip module extended the learning experience beyond campus through a field trip to theTraffic Management Center (TMC) at the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) andGeorge Wallace Tunnel in Mobile, Alabama shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). During the visit,students observed real-world applications of civil engineering principles, including traffic flowmanagement, tunnel design, ventilation systems, and emergency response protocols. Thisexperiential learning was supplemented by a group assignment in which students collected data,conducted research, and delivered presentations on topics such as tunnel dimensions, ventilationspecifications, and traffic management statistics. (a
difficulty obtaining such internships in for-profit companiesdue to lack of experience. Finally, we support students in Dartmouth’s Digital Applied Learningand Innovation (DALI) Lab in team-based development of mobile applications, websites, virtual& augmented reality, and digital installations. The experiential learning opportunities serve bothto cement classroom learning and to allow students to explore careers in data science. This paperfocuses on the experiential learning models and outcomes.Experiential Learning Through DIFUSE Module DevelopmentA central component of the DIFUSE project is the development and implementation of datascience modules, which provide hands-on opportunities to apply theoretical concepts inreal-world contexts. Each
with social justice work. These studies provide valuable insights into the integration of socialjustice in engineering education, demonstrating its significance in developing engineers who are notonly technically proficient but also socially conscious and ethically responsible. This work aims to show that a hands-on real-world problem intervention at a specific time during astudent’s academic development could affect their interest in STEM subjects. We explore the effect ofan immersive STEM outreach program in civil engineering with a social justice aspect to it on a groupof 23 juniors in high school. The author designed an academically appropriate project based on a civilengineering core statics course application centering on one of the
Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Barillas’s focus is on first-year engineering education, student engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and inclusive pedagogy. As Program Director for ID3EA, she has led curriculum development initiatives that integrate hands-on design, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving into the foundational course sequence. Her teaching emphasizes active learning, student-centered instruction, and the development of professional skills such as technical communication, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. Her research interests include interdisciplinary education, curriculum innovation, and the retention and success of underrepresented students in engineering
real-world mobile application. Table 4. Mobile Applications Schedule June 3 – July 9 SSI UB STEM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 9-10:20 a.m. LHSB 1.402 CS LOGIC & BASICS Instruction Instructor: Yessenia Rodriguez 10:30 -11:15 a.m. Lab LHSB 1.402 July 11-Aug 16 SSII UB STEM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 9-10:20 a.m. Set B 1.508 MOBILE APPLICATION + WEB Instruction DEVELOPMENT 10:30 -11:15 a.m. Instructor: Yessenia Rodriguez Lab SET B
does not have to Page 23.159.2be discarded or rebuilt. In addition, it takes much less time to reprogram the same industrialrobots than to install new ones. In the last twenty years, the advances in robot hardware andsoftware design have made it possible for bringing industrial robots into the classroom,especially for Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) students [4]. The introduction ofindustrial robots into MET program at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MnSU) not onlyhas the opportunity to enhance students' hands-on practices and real world experiences, but alsomotives them for pursuing advances research and education in robotic
intocollege. Students learn Electronic Communication Technologies through an intense loadof hands-on activities closely coordinated with theoretical classroom discussion focusingon exciting real-world engineering applications of a variety of communication systems.The course attendees responded an end of course survey to assess the success of thecourse in achieving its goal in terms of impacting students’ knowledge on engineeringand on the specific subject, and attitude towards college education and STEM areas. Thesurvey results revealed, among other findings, that students’ interest in college educationfurther increased. These results will assist us to refine our goals, and on the development
homework assignments and textbook readings.Another question in the survey asked students about the types of activities they do in the class,including paying attention to lectures, engaging in small group or class discussions, completingreal-world applications, thinking critically, reviewing research, or utilizing professional standardsto some degree (Table 9). In this class that deployed active learning tools, the majority of thestudents (> 70%) responded that they completed real-world applications and felt accountable toclassmates in full class discussions. Their communication skills were also utilized to a greaterextent in these activities, thus increasing the educational value of active learning tools. Table 8. Descriptive results from the
this handout, I answered any questions that the small groupshad. After the groups developed the expressions, we went over the final T ds expressions as a class.The handout then became their reference for future development of expressions for entropy changefor ideal gases and incompressible substances.III. CyclesBy the time cycles are covered, all of the fundamentals (conservation of mass and energy, the statedpostulate, and the Second Law) have been conveyed. Thus, the only new idea in cycle analysis isunderstanding how the processes fit together.Each time I introduced a new cycle, I would discuss the basics of its operation and the “real world”applications of the cycle. Students who had experience with particular cycles would share
processes,assembly, and maintenance practices specific to the wind energy industry. To reinforcetheoretical learning, students participated in a hands-on project delivered over the past threesemesters. In this project, students were tasked with designing and building a planetarygearbox similar to those used in utility-scale wind turbines. The project required integration ofmechanical components such as shafts, bearings, keys and keyways, and various types of gears.Additionally, a nacelle trainer, acquired through a previous wind energy grant, was usedextensively to demonstrate real-world applications and strengthen understanding of turbinedrivetrain systems. Student feedback consistently highlighted the module as a highly engagingand informative
Processes, and Senior Design Project. As the Program Coordinator for Mechatronics Engineering Technology, he oversees curriculum development and student advisement within the program. Dr. Wilburn’s expertise includes Robotics, Automation, Mechanical Design, and Artificial Intelligence. He is passionate about advancing STEM education and creating industry partnerships. In addition to his teaching and coordination roles, Dr. Wilburn serves as Chair of the Appreciative Advising Committee and is an active member of various other university-wide committees. Committed to fostering innovation, he strives to equip students with the practical skills needed to address real-world challenges in engineering technology.Dr
outcome, innovative and non-traditionallabs were developed with a focus on solid mechanics where hands-on experiments help bridgethe gap between theory, numerical analysis, simulations and real-world applications. Thetraditional lab exercises at majority of undergraduate engineering colleges (including ours)include compression, tension (flat and threaded), double shear, and torsion (circular and non-circular specimens). In this paper we have identified 6 different labs 1) Stress ConcentrationAnalysis Around a Circular Hole, 2) Testing of Riveted Connections, 3) Beam Deflection, 4)Tensile Testing at Extreme Temperatures, 5) Buckling of Slender Columns and 6) Thermal Stressin Bimetallic Strips to assess SO6. The assessment data from Testing of
experience, highlighting its focus on real-world applications, intercultural collaboration,and technical writing—elements they felt were lacking in their previous coursework. Participantsnoted that collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds allowed them to gain differentperspectives, problem-solving approaches, and insights into various cultural norms. Instructorsreinforced the importance of equipping students with practical skills and tools relevant toreal-world engineering contexts, promoting a pragmatic approach to problem-solving [F2, F3,F5].DiscussionThe interviews provide valuable insights into student experiences within the global engineeringcourse. The identified themes and suggested improvements can inform future iterations of
meet this challenge at Penn State, we built andlaunched an online Doctorate in Engineering program aimed at working professionals who desireto advance their career by demonstrating the ability to conduct and lead applied research withinan industrial, military, organizational, or governmental setting.Penn State, long respected and consistently recognized for having one of the top engineeringprograms in the country, offers its online D.Eng. program through the Penn State World Campus.The courses are taught by Penn State faculty with strong academic credentials and real-worldexperience. The D.Eng. program positions doctoral graduates to advance to high-level leadershippositions in research and engineering in both the private and public sectors
information from diverse fields and linking theoryor knowledge to create and innovate solutions. Lastly, the creating value construct is aboutidentifying opportunities and delivering meaningful outcomes that address and tackle complex,real-world challenges and transform ideas to create real-world impact.As a standalone vehicle for learning and problem-solving, this wholly informal learning space forEM has yet to be explored. Students are believed to develop more innovative and impact-drivenprojects by explicitly infusing EM into the program. Thus, the EM pedagogy would enhance theexisting experiential learning activities. It is also suggested that informal Hackathon-basedlearning can complement formal education (e.g., capstones and other project
degree of complexity in design, the use of simulation enablesengineering students the ability to develop solutions for the system requirements. However, thiscan become problematic to adequately provide a realistic environment for teaching the design ofrobotics systems. In recent years, with the coordination between Cal Poly Pomona and BoysRepublic, we have developed Project Ponderosa. Project Ponderosa provides Cal Poly Pomonaengineering students the opportunity to design various robotics, and automation systems that willbe operated and maintained by Boys Republic students for Christmas Wreath Production at theirfacility. This project constitutes the college student’s senior capstone project providing themwith real-world experiences to prepare
technique for quickly generating a large number of ideas through teamwork and communal thought on the topic. The concepts can then be voted on, reducing the field of possibilities for future prototyping. 4. Prototype - start creating solutions. Prototyping is a part of implementation process. The chosen concepts are put into practice in the real world utilizing improvised methods. A prototype can be anything, such as a wall covered in paper stickers or a rough version of the application interface. At all levels, design thinking does not restrict the freedom of actions and manifestations of imagination. 5. Test your solutions. The goal of the testing stage is to improve problem-solving
creative ideas, these legal entities do not guarantee protection outside the United States. For example, the United States, along with only two other countries (The Philippines and Jordan), subscribe to a first to invent policy for patent protection while the rest of the world follows a first to file policy. In other words, an engineer in the United States who develops a new process and patents it in the United States may find that someone else who did not invent the process but was aware of it filed for protection out side the United States and is now reaping the benefits of the original engineer’s efforts. This may change but the engineer must be aware of the rules in effect at the time of filing. Another