Hands-On Workshops on Computing Tools for Engineering Modeling and Problem Solving in Engineering

School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Santiago, CHILE

Research Professors: Ignacio Casas, Rosa Alarcón, Denisse Abudinen 

Assistant Researchers: Dennis Paccot, Félix Halcartegaray, Claudia Leiva, Rodolfo Molina

Project Abstract

Re-enchant engineering students in the use of computing tools for engineering modeling and problem solving, by means of hands-on workshops with HP mobile technology and software applications such as Excel, Matlab, Project, Visio and the like. Short interactive lectures, hands-on tutorials, lab group-work and project homework. Several courses are being impacted.

Impact on Student Learning

One Year Ago – Boring traditional face-to-face lectures. Reduced productivity during lecture times. Low motivation in the use of software tools for engineering.Low performance in specialization courses that need software tools. Today – Improved motivation in the use of mobile technology, but still not yet fully useful in face-to-face lectures. One Year From Now - High motivation for the use of software engineering tools. High student participation (interaction) in lectures and workshops,by means of mobile technology. Improved student performance in specialization courses that need software tools. Improved student satisfaction with course and with the use of software tools. Improved satisfaction of faculty with students achievement in specialization courses.

Impact on Teaching

This is a new course that attempts to solve engineering students frustration with traditional computer programming courses. It also pretends to change traditional unidirectional boring lectures to interactive, team-work workshops. We use a constructivist approach: students work in teams to model problems and develop solutions, with the guidance of lecturers and teaching assistants. It is a hands-on “computer lab” experience.

What will success look like? (Use of surveys and assessments)

Improved student: satisfaction with face-to-face lectures; performance with software tools; performance in higher-level specialization courses. Improved faculty satisfaction with students software tools proficiencies in higher level courses.

Technology Implementation

Lectures: students use MS OneNote on HP Tablet PCs to share notes. Professor uses HP Tablet PC/Projector as a blackboard. Workshops: students use Applications on HP Tablet PC for project team work & Wireless Projector to share results. Assessment: students work on-line on MS SharePoint.