Technical Support Role for Problem/Project Based Learning in Electrical Engineering

Author(s):  
Karen L. Murphy ◽  
Yakut Gazi ◽  
Lauren Cifuentes

This chapter addresses the question, “How can we overcome potential cultural discontinuities in online collaborative project-based learning environments?” The authors first identify differing worldviews, communication practices, and technological issues that can present barriers that frequently arise in intercultural online courses. They then identify constructivist project-based teaching strategies that reduce these intercultural barriers. Differing worldviews can be reconciled by fostering collaboration, grouping, relevance, and metacognition. Communication barriers can be minimized by attention to language and community building. Technological problems can be reduced by using asynchronous communication, simplifying online communication systems, and providing technical training and ongoing technical support. The chapter concludes with a model for a polycentric culture that minimizes differences among individuals in terms of their worldviews, communication practices, and technological issues.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Liddicoat ◽  
Jianbiao Pan ◽  
James Harris ◽  
Lynne Slivovsky

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 857-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jen-Chia Chang ◽  
Yuan-Du Hsiao ◽  
Su-Chang Chen ◽  
Yu Tsung-Ta

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurial competencies of students in practicums within departments of electrical engineering and computer sciences (EECS) in universities of technology. In total, 71 faculty members who advised in entrepreneurial competitions in universities of technology were participants in the questionnaire survey to find the entrepreneurial competencies during practicums of the EECS students. Design/methodology/approach Analysis was carried out based on the literatures related to off-campus internship in universities of technology and entrepreneurship competency. Then, through the questionnaire survey, the authors can understand what the entrepreneurial abilities should have when they after off-campus internships. The entrepreneurship competency expected of off-campus internship students within EECS was analyzed to derive at the important conclusion in this study. Findings As the results of this study, the authors found that entrepreneurial processes, entrepreneurial traits/behaviors, communications and interpersonal skills, and digital skills are the entrepreneurial competencies that are emphasized during practicums. Originality/value The paper suggests that, first, the EECS students take up innovative entrepreneurship programs and take electives such as marketing management, financial management, and related business administration courses. Second, respective universities of technology and internship organizations may co-arrange the incorporation of project-based learning (PBL), PBL into the internship work content. Third, establishing a platform that bridges communication for off-campus internship students.


Author(s):  
Leo Stocco ◽  
Roberto Rosales ◽  
Ignacio Galiano ◽  
Andy Liu ◽  
David Feixo

The 3rd year Electrical Engineering Design Studio (EEDS) course is a project-based learning (PBL) course that gives students hands-on experience with putting electrical engineering principles into practice. It is an electro-mechanical project which provides a particular challenge since electrical engineering students often lack mechanical design skills. It is found here that learning outcomes are improved by a 2-stage formative assessment and time optimization strategy that allows students to extract as much value as possible out of the limited time they have to devote to this exercise. It consists of an innovative assessment strategy that includes formal, informal and self-assessments, and an innovative budgeting, lecture scheduling, parts distribution, and order queueing system. The impact on efficiency is shown through an end-of-term student survey and a subjective evaluation of their work, in comparison to the previous year.


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