Sheryl A. Sorby

Spatial Skills Training in Introductory Computing

This paper explores the question as to whether there is a relationship between a students spatial abilities and her achievement in learning to program. After noting that there does seem to be a correlation, the paper explores the impact of trying to improve a students spatial abilities. The paper reports on a preliminary study involving high school students. The study results suggest a correlation exists between receiving training in spatial skills and improved student performance in introductory computing. While the sample size in the study is small, this improvement appears to occur for students of different races/ethnicities and across different socio-economic statuses.

Epidemiological study of failures of the Jaipur Foot

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine effects of usage and demographics on damage to the Jaipur Foot prosthesis as well as the epidemiology and etiology of amputations performed at Santokba Durlabjhi Memorial Hospital (SDMH) in Jaipur, India. Design: Total time spent standing, total time spent wearing and total distance walked were compared against severity and location of damage to the prosthesis. Time between initial fitting and follow-up visit for damaged prosthetic was also considered in this analysis. A novel damage severity scale based on prosthesis functionality is presented along with a damage location legend. Results: Patients from 10 different states and two territories throughout India were included in the study. No main effects were found to be statistically significant in predicting severity or location of damage. Only the interaction between a patient’s total time spent standing and their total time spent wearing the prosthesis as well as the interaction between a patient’s total time spent standing and total distance walked was significant in predicting location of damage to the Jaipur Foot (p = .0327, p = .0278, respectively). Conclusions: The lack of significant usage factor effect on damage severity or location could support previous findings that lack standardization in materials and manufacturing processes, which is the major drawback of the Jaipur Foot. Implications for Rehabilitation The Jaipur Foot is a safe, reliable and stable product as no abrupt breakage or sudden falls causing injury to the patient were noted. Hence, it is a safe rehabilitation device for lost limbs. The population can squat and sit cross-legged while wearing the prosthetic foot and it does not affect damage severity or location of damage, allowing for these activities to be performed while rehabilitating. The manufacturing of the foot needs to be standardized to improve life of foot. Total time spent standing, total time spent wearing and total distance walked were not predictive of severity or location of damage to the prosthesis, hence providing patient guidelines for activity during rehabilitation.

Longitudinal study of the impact of requiring training for students with initially weak spatial skills

ABSTRACT Three-dimensional spatial skills are a cognitive ability that have been shown to predict success in engineering. Michigan Tech has been offering a course to help students improve their 3-D spatial skills for more than two decades. In previous studies, students who failed a rotations test and enrolled in the course performed better on a number of measures when compared to those who failed the rotations test and did not enrol in the course. A valid criticism of these studies was that the two groups were self-selected. Beginning in 2009, the spatial skills course became a requirement for students who initially failed the rotations test. This paper reports on the results from a longitudinal study conducted to determine the impact of the spatial skills course when no self-selection is involved.

The development of a concept inventory for engineering graphics

A concept inventory is an instrument that helps identify concepts that students do not understand, and identify which misconceptions are the most prevailing. Concept Inventories can also be used in course design to identify potential topics and aid in assessment. Misconceptions can be deep-seated ideas and therefore challenging to overcome in terms of learning. The use of a quality inventory in engineering graphics may help address such matters. Presently, there exists no nationally normed and validated instrument that can be used in engineering graphics courses to assess misconceptions and competencies. In a previous project, a Delphi Study was used to help identify fundamental topics in the area of engineering graphics. The research team collaborated to produce items that attempted to address these concepts. Piloting these initial items helped improve the item stems and provided a starting point on the formation of distractors. Revised items were compiled into a trial instrument, from which data is being collected at the time of paper submission. Analysis will be conducted on the results of the trial instruments and further refinement will occur.

Assessment of the compressive and tensile mechanical properties of materials used in the Jaipur Foot prosthesis

Background: Designed by Dr. Sethi, the Jaipur Foot prosthesis is ideally suited for amputees in developing countries as it utilizes locally sourced, biodegradable, inexpensive materials and is focused on affordability and functionality. To date, however, no data have been reported on the material properties of the foot components. Objectives: The goal of this work was to evaluate mechanical properties of the Jaipur Foot components to guide foot design and manufacturing and reduce weight. Study Design: Experimental. Methods: Mechanical testing was conducted on two types of woods (ardu and cheed), microcellular rubber, tire cord, cushion compound, tread compound, and skin-colored rubber. Each material was subjected to testing in either tension or compression based on its location and function in the foot. Samples were tested before and after vulcanization. Two-sample t-tests were used to assess statistical differences. Results: Cheed compressed perpendicular to the grain had a significantly higher modulus of elasticity than ardu (p < 0.05); however, cheed had a higher density. Vulcanization significantly increased the modulus of skin-colored rubber, cushion compound, and tread compound (p < 0.05) and decreased the moduli of both microcellular rubber and tire cord (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The material property results from this study provide information for computer modeling to assess material construction on overall foot mechanics for design optimization. Ardu wood was ideal based on the desire to reduce weight, and the tire cord properties serve well to hold the foot together. Clinical relevance With new knowledge on the material properties of the components of the Jaipur Foot, future design modifications and standardized fabrication can be realized, making the Jaipur Foot more available on a global scale.

Evaluation of computer modules to teach metacognition and motivation strategies

Two e-learning modules are being developed to improve self-regulation and lifelong learning readiness. More than 150 mechanical engineering students completed first versions of the two modules in 2012. An evaluation of the module results suggests that students are learning the module content and tend to enjoy taking the modules. The modules were also tested as an intervention for improving lifelong readiness as measured by the SDLRS. Comparing scores of the SDLRS taken before and after the modules showed a statistically significant gain (p<;0.1). Comparisons were also made between the 2nd and 3rd year classes and between women and men. Suggestions for improvements to the modules have been identified.