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Online Robotics Project-based Learning Approach in a First-year Engineering Program

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Conference

2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Publication Date

August 23, 2022

Start Date

June 26, 2022

End Date

June 29, 2022

Conference Session

First-Year Programs Division Technical Session 5: Design and Robotics

Page Count

14

DOI

10.18260/1-2--41368

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/41368

Download Count

328

Paper Authors

biography

Olukemi Akintewe University of South Florida

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Dr. Kemi Akintewe is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Medical Engineering and the Director of the First-year Engineering Experiential learning at the University of South Florida (USF). Dr. Akintewe holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from USF, a Masters in Materials Science & Engineering from the Ohio State University, and her Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from the City College of New York. Her research focuses on active learning in engineering education, engineering predictive assessment models that support students’ learning, classroom management techniques, and best teaching practices. Dr. Akintewe’s teaching, mentoring, and academic efforts have received recognition, including the 2022 Women in Leadership & Philanthropy, Kathleen Moore Faculty Excellence award, the 2021 USF STEER teaching scholars award, and the USF BMES chapter Faculty of the year award. Her mission is to teach, mentor and coach the next generation of students that succeed in STEM fields while promoting learning, diversity, and leadership.

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Walter Silva Sotillo University of South Florida

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Abstract

A first-year mandatory engineering project-based course aimed at developing an engineering mindset was taught through students engaging in active learning strategies built on the design-thinking framework by Ulrich and Eppinger. Course outcomes were achieved via students' participation in the fabrication of an autonomous robotic vehicle facilitated through practical hands-on activities, group discussions, and laboratory modules. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this formerly in-person course adopted a synchronous teaching model and used online instructional tools for lectures, group activities, and project support. The robotic project helped introduce students to engineering principles by employing multi-developmental phases for creating a robot. The teaching approach also provided students an engineering design experience while working in interdisciplinary teams with members serving unique engineering roles such as design, hardware, software, project, or testing lead. Students were required to design and fabricate a relevant prototype for stakeholders and, while doing so, learn and acquire essential competencies and skillsets relevant to engineering professions. Course methodology involved weekly assignments and the acquisition of project kits by individual students. The engineering mindset was assessed through content knowledge of inclusive modules in electronics, programming, 3D printing, innovation, and data analysis assignments.

Learning outcomes include using software, hardware-based technologies, and research-based inquiries to design, fabricate, test, and improve an autonomous robot. Measurement of these outcomes was accomplished through course assessments, student evaluations, and the final project showcase results. This remote course structure fostered an engineering mindset, technical know-how, innovation and promoted essential competencies like teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. Despite the pandemic-transformed pedagogy, students acquired relevant toolsets for manufacturing, synthesis, analysis, and technology that support engineering solutions.

Akintewe, O., & Silva Sotillo, W. (2022, August), Online Robotics Project-based Learning Approach in a First-year Engineering Program Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41368

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