Photini Spanias

Motivation for achievement in mathematics: Findings, generalizations, and criticisms of the research

In this review we examine recent research in the area of motivation in mathematics education and discuss findings from research perspectives in this domain. We note consistencies across research perspectives that suggest a set of generalizable conclusions about the contextual factors, cognitive processes, and benefits of interventions that affect students’ and teachers’ motivational attitudes. Criticisms are leveled concerning the lack of theoretical guidance driving the conduct and interpretation of the majority of studies in the field. Few researchers have attempted to extend current theories of motivation in ways that are consistent with the current research on learning and classroom discourse. In particular, researchers interested in studying motivation in the content domain of school mathematics need to examine the relationship that exists between mathematics as a socially constructed field and students’ desire to achieve.

Health monitoring laboratories by interfacing physiological sensors to mobile android devices

The recent sensing capabilities of mobile devices along with their interactivity and popularity in the student community can be used to create a unique learning environment in engineering education. Android Java-DSP (AJDSP) is a mobile educational application that interfaces with sensors and enables simulation and visualization of signal processing concepts. In this paper, we present the work done towards building non-invasive physiological signal monitoring tools in AJDSP through hardware interfaces to both external sensors and on-board device sensors. Examples of laboratory exercises that can be introduced in classes are presented. The proposed software tools can be used to provide intuitive understanding in wireless sensing and feature extraction to demonstrate the application of DSP to health monitoring systems. The effectiveness of the software modules in enhancing student understanding is demonstrated with the help of preliminary assessments.

Embedding Android signal processing apps in a high school math class — An RET project

The objective of this project is to develop and design mobile content for introducing engineering technology to high school students. More specifically, we intend to work on a sequence of modules that will establish connections between high school mathematics and physics to modern technologies associated with smart phones, iPods and other high-tech products. The participants of the project will use the previously developed AJDSP (for Android devices) and iJDSP (for iPhones and iPads) apps to facilitate this process. Additionally, modules have been developed that have been embedded in math classes. Anticipated benefits of the project include creating positive attitudes towards STEM areas that will help recruit high school students and minorities in engineering, math and science fields. After an initial pilot study and assessments at CDS High School, these activities will be disseminated to other high schools. In order to obtain feedback from high school students and teachers, we will hold workshops and collect assessment results. These results will also provide us assessments about the effectiveness of the project, and allow us to make modifications to the project as necessary. The project is part of TUES Phase 3 and I/UCRC RET activities.

Work in progress - Java simulations of DSP algorithms for ion-channel sensors

The use of ion channels as sensing elements for chemical and biological agents is a rapidly developing area. Ion channels are proteins that mediate the flow of ions and molecules across membranes such as cell walls. At Arizona State University researchers have devised a silicon ion-channel sensor. Experiments have been conducted to characterize this sensor and examine its utility in various applications. This paper presents Java functions developed to demonstrate ion channel signals and their analysis using DSP functions in class. The Java functions were developed in the J-DSP visual programming environment. Students can experiment with ion-channel signals, extract features, and differentiate signals representing the presence of different analytes.

A new signal processing course for digital culture

Signal processing algorithms, software, and hardware are being used in several fields including non-engineering areas such as arts and media. Students in these fields and particularly in the new Digital Culture major at Arizona State University (ASU) use signal processing tools in several of their projects and artistic endeavors. Yet the blind use of these DSP tools in other disciplines, without understanding their properties has been a long-standing problem. In fact, the broader issue is the disconnect between engineers that develop tools and artists that use them to design the next generation digital art applications. In that context, ASU has formed the Arts Media and Engineering (AME) School and more recently, the multidisciplinary undergraduate Digital Culture degree granting program. In order to provide formal training in signal processing to students that are non-Electrical Engineering majors, we piloted a new course titled Signal Processing for Digital Culture. This course, which is being offered online, teaches non-majors some of the basics of signal processing and covers several applications. The only prerequisite to the course is general sophomore calculus. This new online course contains several topics and is focused on an approach that teaches concepts by connecting theory to compelling applications. Future plans include introducing this course at Clarkson University as a Knowledge Area course open to students from all majors.

Work in progress - teaching speech signal processing and coding using LabVIEWTM

This paper presents a visual programming and visualization tool for use in covering signal processing aspects of speech coding in a DSP class. The tool is based on the national instruments LabVIEWtrade environment. The framework of this tool was built using existing C code as a library along with LabVIEWs native functionalities. Standardized linear predictive coding algorithms have been implemented; these are used to demonstrate in our DSP classes how digital filters and signal modeling is utilized in cellular and military communications. Experiments covered include the introduction of speech synthesis models, parameterization of speech in terms of filter and excitation parameters, and robustness of speech parameters to additive and channel noise. The tool provides capabilities for both quantitative and subjective assessment of the synthesized speech signal. An assessment process for the tool is in place and preliminary results will be presented at the conference.

Work in progress - collaborative multidisciplinary J-DSP software project

This NSF Phase 3 CCLI multidisciplinary project consists of a collaborative implementation and national dissemination effort that involves Arizona State University (ASU), Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Prairie View A&M University, University of Washington-Bothell (UWB), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, University of New Mexico (UNM), and the University of Cyprus (UCY). The project involves significant educational technology innovations and software extensions that will enable the online software J-DSP to be used in multiple disciplines including digital signal processing, earth systems, renewable energy, biologically-inspired sensors, and arts and media. Problems addressed include the delivery of technology-enhanced laboratory experiences to undergraduate students using novel Java tools and the requirement of a broad assessment of these practices at several universities.

Development of signal processing online labs using HTML5 and mobile platforms

Several web-based signal processing simulation packages for education have been developed in a Java environment. Although this environment has provided convenience and accessibility using standard browser technology, it has recently become vulnerable to cyber-attacks and is no longer compatible with secure browsers. In this paper, we describe our efforts to transform our award-winning J-DSP online laboratory by rebuilding it on an HTML5 framework. Along with a new simulation environment, we have redesigned the interface to enable several new functionalities and an entirely new educational experience. These new features include functions that enable real-time interfaces with sensor boards and mobile phones. The Web 4.0 HTML5 technology departs from older Java interfaces and provides an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) enabling seamless connectivity and both software and hardware experiences for students in DSP classes.

Work in progress — Modules and laboratories for a pathways course in signals and systems

A gap between theory and practice in signals and systems courses is often reported at many universities as a key problem in recruiting signals and systems students. On the other hand, instructors often cite a lack of fundamental understanding in mathematics as an issue in this course. Students seem to be discontent with some of the abstraction of the signals and systems courses. In this work-in-progress paper, we describe a new pathways concept we introduced to address these problems by introducing in-depth discussions, several applications and hands-on exercises.