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VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS (VLES) FOR ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING STUDENTS
Abstract
This paper highlights the development of a virtual learning environment (VLE) to teach digital electronics. The aims of this research work are to demonstrate virtual experimentation using an interactive model elevator and simulation and also facilitate collaborative learning in a problem based learning (PBL) [1] environment. The digital electronics module will be delivered using blended learning techniques. We propose to test the VLE on Electronic Systems and Information Technology students in the second semester (February 2005) of the academic year here at the University of Limerick. During the past year we have carried out surveys in other modules to quantify student's thoughts and gauge their views on VLE's and blended learning. This information was compiled and used as an aid in the development of VLE In the first trial we studied student's behavior with a custom built VLE using blended learning techniques. Currently we are carrying out trails on students in another Module using Moodle [2] as a VLE. The requirements and specifications involved in creating a model elevator for the purpose of a VLE are assessed. Modular design was integrated into the design process. Therefore it is hoped that the different modular features of the elevator can provide challenging PBL exercises for learners.
How can a game be used to motivate students towards a specific scientific area and, at the same time, support those students in the development of personal and social skills? eCity online game is an educational platform based on a city simulation engine designed to support Problem Based Learning (PBL) in the STEM area. The game is used to motivate high school students for an academic course in science and engineering helping to solve one of the current problems of society: the lack of students and professionals in these areas. Initial results have been promising in the motivation and satisfaction of the involved students and teachers.
This paper will discuss the extension of a fibre optic sensor test rig in order to provide remote accessibility via the Internet. With this experimentation arrangement, a PC based tester has been developed and evaluated in order to assess issues relating to the testing of unclad optical fibres coated with epoxies that have been doped with photoluminescent phosphors. Such doped fibres have been developed to create distributed optical fibre ultra violet sensors. The experimentation rig, originally designed for single user, local access, has been extended for multi-user, remote access, using a locally developed remote access laboratory arrangement.
There is growing interest in the education community in the development and use of Open Source Software. This paper explains the ideas behind OSS and how what its significance is for education. It examines regional and national initiatives to promote the use of OSS. The paper considers the advantages of OSS and potential problems. It goes on to look at the idea of open content and the sharing of learning content, and provides short case studies. The paper concludes that the major significance of OSS and open content is in the new social relations engendered and in fostering innovation in e-learning, both in application development and new pedagogies.
Increasingly web based distance education engineering courses augmented by remote experimentation facilities are on offer. This approach has a number of advantages allowing flexible remote access to on-campus laboratory resources free from time or geographical constraints. These environments offer the user a high level of access with extended functionality to remote laboratories but at the cost of a more complex development process requiring multi-disciplinary teams. This paper details our recent experiences in the implementation of an integrated learning environment for remote experimentation focused on embedded systems. The multi-disciplinary development process involved is described, the roles of individual members of the development team identified and the range of diverse skills needed discussed.
Open Source Content Management System for Online Learning
- A Moodle
- Free
Moodle -A free, Open Source Content Management
System for Online Learning. http://www.moodle.org/
Labs are Going Online. 16 th Annual ED-MEDIA Conference
- Miri Shonfeld
- Ilana Ronen
Miri Shonfeld, Ilana Ronen, Labs are Going Online.
16 th Annual ED-MEDIA Conference 2004. Lugano,
Switzerland. June 21-26 th 2004.
An Evaluation of the Design and Development of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for Engineering Students. Advanced Technologies in Education
- C Mchugo
- T Hall
- J Horgan
- K Johnson
- K Karras
McHugo, C., Hall, T., Horgan, J., Johnson, K., Karras,
K., An Evaluation of the Design and Development of a
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for Engineering
Students. Advanced Technologies in Education,
Kefalonia, Greece. 2004.
WSPICE: A web-Based SPICE Circuit-Simulation Environment with Schematic Editor. Interactive Computer Aided Learning, ICL2004, Villach Austria
- H Goebel
- H Siemund
Goebel H., Siemund H., WSPICE: A web-Based
SPICE Circuit-Simulation Environment with Schematic
Editor. Interactive Computer Aided Learning, ICL2004,
Villach Austria, September 29 th -October 1 st 2004.
An overview of learner's experiences using blended learning techniques in engineering applications. 5 th Annual Ed-Tech Conference
- C Mchugo
- K Johnson
- T Hall
McHugo, C., Johnson, K., Hall, T., An overview of
learner's experiences using blended learning techniques in
engineering applications. 5 th Annual Ed-Tech Conference
2004. Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland. June 5-6 th 2004.
Designing an Authoring System to Support Learning Object Repositories for Small to Medium Sized Enterprises
- F Concannon
- K Johnson
Concannon, F., Johnson, K., Designing an Authoring
System to Support Learning Object Repositories for Small
to Medium Sized Enterprises. E-Learn 2003. Phoenix,
Arizona, USA. November 7-11 th 2003.