Document Type : Scientific - Research
Author
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran
Abstract
Since the Corona pandemic, universities have widely used e-learning for engineering education. Although the e-learning method has practical challenges, some approaches can enrich this method and increase the attractiveness of the teaching by employing activity-based learning. In this article, examples of such approaches for the improvement of e-learning are addressed. The first method is to teach the engineering concepts with the help of proper experiments, which is easier to implement in e-learning than traditional teaching. The second approach is to enrich the learning by motivating students to carry out practical experiments at home while the students are provided with the elements needed for these activities. Another important approach is employing active links to implement activity-based learning and interactive teaching. This article also presents the results of some surveys conducted on the above approaches and the evaluations obtained from students in such courses in order to confirm the effectiveness of these strategies. Finally, the teaching approaches of different universities in the important course “Introduction to Electrical Engineering” are reviewed and compared with the methodology of the University of Tehran to indicate the employment of the proposed approaches in other universities.
Keywords
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Amarasinghe, I., et al. (2020). An actionable orchestration dashboard to enhance collaboration in the classroom. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 13(4), 662-675.
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Garcia, O. (2012). Project-based orientation coures for EE freshmen: A motivational introduction to engineering. Proceedings of the 5th First Year Engineering Experience Conference. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Guo, Y. (2021). Design and implementation of educational emulation experiment systems based on discrete logic. IEEE Transactions on Education, in press (available online).
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Karam, L.J., & Mounsef, N. (2008). Introduction to engineering: A starter’s guide with hands-on digital multimedia and robotics explorations. Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Morgan & Claypool.
Karimpour, A. (2020). Lessons from the Quid-19 epidemic in the educational planning of the faculty of engineering, Ferdowsi university of Mashhad. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 22(87), 49-71 [in Persian].
Leeb, S. B., Kirtley, J. L., & Muller, S. (2013). Build to win: electric machines. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 29(4), 1928-1935.
Lei, Z., et al. (2021). 3-D interactive control laboratory for classroom demonstration and online experimentation in engineering education. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(3), 276-282.
Li, J., Ramos-Salas, J., & Li, C. (2020). Experience of teaching introduction to electrical engineering with an online platform. American Society for Engineering Education, 2020, 32096.
Luse, A., Brown, A., & Rursch, J. (2021). Instruction in 802.11 technology in online virtual labs. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(1), 12-17.
Meegahapola, L.G., & Thilakarathne, C. (2019). Dynamic learner-assisted interactive learning tools for power systems engineering courses. IEEE Transactions on Education, 62(2), 149-156.
Memarian, H. (2019). Analysis of Iran’s first experience in distance education, Free University of Iran. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 21(81), 99-127 [in Persian].
Memarian, H. (2019). Online engineering education. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 21(82), 15-29 [in Persian].
MIT Blossoms. https://blossoms.mit.edu.
Mix, D.F., & Balda, J.C. (1997). ELEG 1003-introduction to electrical engineering: An approach to motivate and teach EE freshmen. Proceedings frontiers in education 1997 27th annual conference. Teaching and learning in an era of change, 3, 1215-1218.
Mollaei, S., & Fakher Ajabshir, Z. (2021). Investigating the effects of flipped method in online course on students’ learning and satisfaction during covid-19 pandemic- a case study: technical English course for civil engineering (B.S.). Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 23(89), 113-132 [in Persian].
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Moszkowski, A. (1973). Conversation with Albert Einstein, Horizon Press.
Muoka, P. I., et al. (2015). DSP-based hands-on laboratory experiments for photovoltaic power systems. IEEE Transactions on Education, 58(1), 39-47.
Northrup, S.G. (2007). Work in progress-development of a two-semester introduction to electrical engineering hybrid design Studio. 37th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference-Global Engineering: Knowledge Without Borders, Opportunities Without Passports, S2C-6.
Nouroozi, S., Mohammadi, M., & Shafiei, M. (2021). Comparison of faculty members’ perceptions of the usefulness, ease of use, self-efficacy and challenges of mobile learning (Case study: Shiraz University). Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 23(90), 97-114 [in Persian].
Paskusz, G.F. (1998). A design based introduction to electrical engineering. 28th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, 2, 955-957.
Petrovic, J., & Pale, P. (2021). Achieving scalability and interactivity in a communication skills course for undergraduate engineering students. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(4), 292-298.
Pine, J. (1997). Electricity experiments done by students in their rooms. APS April Meeting Abstracts, B15-02.
Precup, R. E. (2011). Experiment-based teaching in advanced control engineering. IEEE Transactions on Education, 54(3), 345-355.
Salunke, M., & Vijayalakshmi, M. (2016). Enhancing teaching and learning for Basic Electrical Engineering course using simulation as a tool. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 29, 1-5.
Shahnia, F., & Yengejeh, H. H. (2019). Various interactive and self-learning focused tutorial activities in the power electronic course. IEEE Transactions on Education, 62(4), 246-255.
Thomassian, J.C., & Desai, A. (2008). Interactive learning modules for innovative pedagogy in circuits and electronics. 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, F2A-7.
Wang, S., et al. (2021). A take-home motor control teaching experiment platform for control engineering-related courses. IEEE Transactions on Education, in press (available online).
Ying, L., Lund, J.A., & Morton, T.D. (2017). A hands-on first-year electrical engineering introduction course. Proc. of the 2017 ASEE An. Conf. and Expo.
Amarasinghe, I., et al. (2020). An actionable orchestration dashboard to enhance collaboration in the classroom. IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 13(4), 662-675.
Auerbach, J., & Ferri, B. (2010). Work in progress - the costs and benefits of using alternative approaches in lecture-based courses: experience in electrical engineering. IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE).
Aziz, A., & Islam, S.N. (2021). Impact of mixed pedagogy on engineering education. IEEE Transactions on Education, in press (available online).
Bernstein, G.H., & Meyers, K. (2017). Assessment of an introduction to electrical engineering laboratory course. ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition.
Blanding, W., & Meah, K. (2014). Laboratory-based project-oriented introductory course for electrical engineering. 8th international conference on electrical and computer engineering. 832-835.
Chun, S., et al. (2011). Incorporating student-owned portable instrumentation into an introduction to electrical engineering course. 2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, 22-852.
Dourmashkin, P., & King, J.G. (2020). Electricity and magnetism experiments from kits. https://ocw.mak.ac.ug/courses/physics/8-02x-physics-ii-electricity-magnetism-with-an-experimental-focus-spring-2005/labs/802x.pdf
Fechtner, H., Stenner, M., & Schmuelling, B. (2020). Empirical and iterative evaluation model for the development of e-learning content for freshmen of electrical engineering degree programs. 2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), 1-5.
Fukumoto, H. (2021). Developing a remote laboratory system of stepper motor for learning support. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(3), 292-298.
Garcia, O. (2012). Project-based orientation coures for EE freshmen: A motivational introduction to engineering. Proceedings of the 5th First Year Engineering Experience Conference. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Guo, Y. (2021). Design and implementation of educational emulation experiment systems based on discrete logic. IEEE Transactions on Education, in press (available online).
Johnson, A.W., et al. (2018). How a flexible classroom affords active learning in electrical engineering. IEEE Transactions on Education, 62(2), 91-98.
Kakhki, M.M., & Azemi, A. (2014). First year engineering experience at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) Proceedings, 1-3.
Karam, L.J., & Mounsef, N. (2008). Introduction to engineering: A starter’s guide with hands-on digital multimedia and robotics explorations. Synthesis Lectures on Engineering, Morgan & Claypool.
Karimpour, A. (2020). Lessons from the Quid-19 epidemic in the educational planning of the faculty of engineering, Ferdowsi university of Mashhad. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 22(87), 49-71 [in Persian].
Leeb, S. B., Kirtley, J. L., & Muller, S. (2013). Build to win: electric machines. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 29(4), 1928-1935.
Lei, Z., et al. (2021). 3-D interactive control laboratory for classroom demonstration and online experimentation in engineering education. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(3), 276-282.
Li, J., Ramos-Salas, J., & Li, C. (2020). Experience of teaching introduction to electrical engineering with an online platform. American Society for Engineering Education, 2020, 32096.
Luse, A., Brown, A., & Rursch, J. (2021). Instruction in 802.11 technology in online virtual labs. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(1), 12-17.
Meegahapola, L.G., & Thilakarathne, C. (2019). Dynamic learner-assisted interactive learning tools for power systems engineering courses. IEEE Transactions on Education, 62(2), 149-156.
Memarian, H. (2019). Analysis of Iran’s first experience in distance education, Free University of Iran. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 21(81), 99-127 [in Persian].
Memarian, H. (2019). Online engineering education. Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 21(82), 15-29 [in Persian].
MIT Blossoms. https://blossoms.mit.edu.
Mix, D.F., & Balda, J.C. (1997). ELEG 1003-introduction to electrical engineering: An approach to motivate and teach EE freshmen. Proceedings frontiers in education 1997 27th annual conference. Teaching and learning in an era of change, 3, 1215-1218.
Mollaei, S., & Fakher Ajabshir, Z. (2021). Investigating the effects of flipped method in online course on students’ learning and satisfaction during covid-19 pandemic- a case study: technical English course for civil engineering (B.S.). Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 23(89), 113-132 [in Persian].
Montazer, G.A., & Farazkish, M. (2021). Why Iranian universities have not been successful in implementing e-learning systems? (Comparative analysis of Iranian and Turkish universities in the face of the Corona pandemic). Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 23(91), 13-30 [in Persian].
Moszkowski, A. (1973). Conversation with Albert Einstein, Horizon Press.
Muoka, P. I., et al. (2015). DSP-based hands-on laboratory experiments for photovoltaic power systems. IEEE Transactions on Education, 58(1), 39-47.
Northrup, S.G. (2007). Work in progress-development of a two-semester introduction to electrical engineering hybrid design Studio. 37th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference-Global Engineering: Knowledge Without Borders, Opportunities Without Passports, S2C-6.
Nouroozi, S., Mohammadi, M., & Shafiei, M. (2021). Comparison of faculty members’ perceptions of the usefulness, ease of use, self-efficacy and challenges of mobile learning (Case study: Shiraz University). Iranian Journal of Engineering Education, 23(90), 97-114 [in Persian].
Paskusz, G.F. (1998). A design based introduction to electrical engineering. 28th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, 2, 955-957.
Petrovic, J., & Pale, P. (2021). Achieving scalability and interactivity in a communication skills course for undergraduate engineering students. IEEE Transactions on Education, 64(4), 292-298.
Pine, J. (1997). Electricity experiments done by students in their rooms. APS April Meeting Abstracts, B15-02.
Precup, R. E. (2011). Experiment-based teaching in advanced control engineering. IEEE Transactions on Education, 54(3), 345-355.
Salunke, M., & Vijayalakshmi, M. (2016). Enhancing teaching and learning for Basic Electrical Engineering course using simulation as a tool. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 29, 1-5.
Shahnia, F., & Yengejeh, H. H. (2019). Various interactive and self-learning focused tutorial activities in the power electronic course. IEEE Transactions on Education, 62(4), 246-255.
Thomassian, J.C., & Desai, A. (2008). Interactive learning modules for innovative pedagogy in circuits and electronics. 38th Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, F2A-7.
Wang, S., et al. (2021). A take-home motor control teaching experiment platform for control engineering-related courses. IEEE Transactions on Education, in press (available online).
Ying, L., Lund, J.A., & Morton, T.D. (2017). A hands-on first-year electrical engineering introduction course. Proc. of the 2017 ASEE An. Conf. and Expo.
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