Eugenia Fernandez

Using project-based learning to teach object oriented application development

Project-based learning is a student-centered approach to instruction in which students work in teams to complete an open-ended project. It is ideally suited to the teaching of analysis, design and implementation, especially when using object-oriented analysis and design methods. This paper describes the use of project-based learning in a two course sequence on systems analysis, design and implementation and discusses the lessons learned from our experiences teaching these courses over the past five years.

EAST: Developing an Electronic Assessment and Storage Tool

Assessment is an ongoing process that evaluates samples of completed student assignments to determine whether the underlying curriculum effectively produces the desired learning outcomes. Each year, the current system of tracking and storing artefacts for assessment becomes increasingly difficult. Compiling the results is a time-consuming process. EAST provides a cohesive web-based solution for managing assessment artefacts. EAST aids the assessment effort through the ability to easily store artefacts in electronic form, support and record the assessment of student work, and ease the development of reports. This paper discusses the analysis, development and features of EAST. The first section discusses the analysis phase of the project, highlighting the system objectives and the requirements of the EAST system. The second section details how the EAST system was developed and implemented. In the last section, features of the system are described and its contribution to the schools assessment effort is discussed.

Student performance in first year, mathematics, and physics courses: Implications for success in the study of electrical and computer engineering

Mathematics and physics courses are recognized as a crucial foundation for the study of engineering, and often are prerequisite courses for the basic engineering curriculum. But how does performance in these prerequisite courses affect student performance in engineering courses? This study evaluated the relationship between grades in prerequisite math and physics courses and grades in subsequent electrical engineering courses. Where significant relationships were found, additional analysis was conducted to determine minimum grade goals for the prerequisite courses. Relationships were found between five course pairs: calculus II and differential equations; calculus II and physics I (mechanics); physics II (electricity and optics) and circuits analysis II; physics II (electricity and optics) and signals and systems; and circuits analysis II and signals and systems. The results indicate that a grade of C+ or higher in calculus II, and a grade of B- or higher in physics II and circuits analysis II will lead to higher grades in subsequent mathematics, circuits, and signals and systems courses. This information will be used to aid faculty in making decisions about imposing minimum grade requirements.

Mobile communications anytime, anywhere: The impact on work-life balance and stress

Mobile communication technologies have fundamentally altered the concept of going to work. Work has been transformed from a place you go to a function you perform, whenever and wherever you are. Laptops, smartphones, and tablets enable users to transition seamlessly between work and personal activities anytime and anywhere. The effect of this capability on an individuals ability to balance their work and personal life and manage personal stress remains under study. One thing is clear. Modern societies are still in the early stages of this transformation. While 88% of Americans have cell phones, only 46% have Smartphones and just 19% have Tablet PCs. These devices are fast, powerful, and quickly become integrated into our lives as constant companions. This paper presents the results of a survey of engineering and technology students at a Midwestern university. No significant relationship between laptop use and personal stress was found and work-life balance was only negatively impacted when usage exceeded 3 hours on days off. While significant percentages of smartphone users reported increased stress, similar percentages felt the accessibility of the smartphone reduced their stress levels. Users overwhelmingly responded that smartphones improve their ability to balance their work and personal life.

Development of an Online Virtual Reality-Based Advanced Manufacturing Curriculum for Use in Professional Certification

An innovative online module in advanced manufacturing is developed based on a state-of-the-art virtual reality learning tool. The Advanced Virtual Manufacturing Laboratory (AVML) is a collaborative web-based virtual learning environment for integrated lecture and lab delivery which focuses on advanced machining using Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tools. The system seamlessly and synergistically integrates multimedia lecture, interactive 3D simulation, and realistic experimentation in a virtual reality environment. The development involves three main elements: a simulator for CNC milling and lathe machines, a virtual-environment display engine, and an intelligent-agent engine. The virtual reality environment provides training in different modes on different operating procedures with the help of an intelligent virtual tutor. The AMVL content was designed to lead to certification. With the help of a NIMS certified practitioner the curriculum is refined to ensure a successful pathway to certification. Support for this pathway to certification is provided by the results of a quasi-experimental randomized study to assess the learning effectiveness of the curriculum content of the AVML. The development of the AVML, its pathway to certification, and the results of the learning effectiveness of the online virtual reality environment are presented in this paper.Copyright

Knowledge Representation: A Classification with Applications in Telecommunications and the Web

Knowledge representation is often treated as an integral part of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning, formal languages and other research areas. However, knowledge representation applications can be found today in different sectors of industry, including e-commerce, manufacturing, and telecommunications. This paper reviews knowledge representation schemes found in the AI literature, and identifies commonalities in perspectives and underlying philosophies of the various representation schemes. A close examination of the different schemes reveals that they can be classified under one or more of the four major knowledge representation philosophies: objects, networks, frames, and logic. Newer knowledge representation applications of these philosophies, specifically XML, UML and ontologies, are discussed and examples of their use in telecommunications and Web applications are given.