Virtual Conference
July 26, 2021
July 26, 2021
July 19, 2022
Remote Physical Laboratories: Experimentation and Laboratory-oriented Studies
Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies
16
10.18260/1-2--36688
https://peer.asee.org/36688
455
Professor John Sullivan joined WPI in 1987. He has had continuous external research funding from 1988 thru 2013. He has graduated (and supported) more than 75 MS and PhD graduate students. He has served as the ME Department Head and in 2012 was elected Secretary of the Faculty through 2015. Prof. Sullivan has always maintained a full teaching load. He strongly supports the WPI project-based undergraduate philosophy.
Dr. Sabuncu holds a Ph. D. in Aerospace Engineering from Old Dominion University. Dr. Sabuncu’s professional interests spans from engineering education research, history of science and engineering, thermo-fluids engineering, and microfluidic technology. Dr. Sabuncu is eager to discover next generation workforce skills and to educate next generation of engineers who will carry industry 4.0 forward considering the needs of the global world.
Valerie Smedile Rifkin is an Instructional Designer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She assists faculty with the design, development, and delivery of both online and face-to-face courses, with the goal of promoting a positive and engaging experience for all learners. Valerie has over 15 years of experience working in higher education, primarily in online graduate education, faculty support, and instructional design. She holds an M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology and an M.A. in Anthropology from Brandeis University.
Dr. Kimberly LeChasseur is a researcher and evaluator with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She holds a dual appointment with the Center for Project-Based Learning and the Morgan Teaching and Learning Center. She holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Temple University and has more than ten years of experience researching professional learning of educators and evaluating efforts to improve students' opportunities to learn.
Caitlin Keller is an Instructional Designer for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her primary role involves designing and delivering faculty development opportunities aimed at preparing faculty for effective course design processes in the online, blended/hybrid, and in-person active learning environments. Caitlin holds a Master of Science degree in Learning Technologies and Instructional Design from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Lebanon Valley College.
This work examines the delivery of quality, hands-on engineering experimentation in a home or remote environment. The course was designed to develop experimental skills in engineering measurement methods, based on electronic instrumentation and computer-based data acquisition systems, using the microcontrollers Raspberry Pi and/or an Arduino. The learning outcomes involved developing student confidence, proficiency in data acquisition, statistical assessment of data, experimental setup and implementation. There were 6 formative modules to develop confidence in making engineering measurements with a variety of sensors and a summative module that involved a student-created, open-ended project involving a minimum of 3 sensors and/or controllers to perform a student-defined integrated objective. An analysis of the student perceived outcomes showed significant learning relative to traditional classroom laboratory instruction. Student engagement was high, and a primary contributing factor perceived by the students was their ability to create or choose their projects, select the sensors, and design their experimental set-up. In summary, we conclude that this anytime-anywhere experimentation laboratory is a viable option for keeping remote students engaged and will continue as a significant enhancement in student learning opportunities.
Sullivan, J. M., & Sabuncu, A. C., & Smedile Rifkin, V. B., & Lechasseur, K., & Keller, C. A. (2021, July), Anytime-anywhere Engineering Experimentation Paper presented at 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual Conference. 10.18260/1-2--36688
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