ELET2: Engaged Learning Environment for Emerging Transportation Technologies

Title: ELET2: Engaged Learning Environment for Emerging Transportation Technologies

Need: Currently, there is a significant lack of educational resources tailored to equip undergraduate students with fundamental yet up-to-date knowledge in the rapidly evolving transportation field. This project addresses this critical gap by developing a portfolio of virtual and interactive teaching platforms, named ELET2: Engaged Learning Environment for Emerging Transportation Technologies, to deliver emerging transportation technologies to undergraduate students. Through the use of various techniques, such as computer simulation, web/mobile-based interaction visualization, and gamification, our platforms will cultivate engaged learning environments while nurturing a deeper understanding of the cutting-edge emerging transportation technologies. By integrating immersive learning experiences, our objective is to elevate student engagement and foster a dynamic learning environment for exploration and discovery.

Guiding Question: The key research questions of this research include: 1) identifying key emerging transportation technologies that warrant our immediate attention, and 2) designing teaching platforms that not only ensures accessibility for undergraduate students, but also effectively delivers the in-depth knowledge essential for the students to tackle future challenges. To address these inquiries, our investigation centers on the following promising emerging transportation technologies: connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) and shared mobility. We introduce these technologies through the pivotal lenses of system and infrastructure, human behavior, and transportation operation and safety, facilitating a holistic understanding among learners.

Outcomes: The anticipated outcomes of this research are twofold. Firstly, we will unveil virtual, publicly accessible online teaching platforms, providing comprehensive coverage of vital aspects of emerging transportation technologies. The developed platforms will serve as a valuable resource not only for undergraduate students but also for various levels of transportation professionals seeking to broaden their understanding of the field. Secondly, we will gather valuable data through pre- and post-implementation surveys to assess the efficacy of our teaching platforms, thereby enabling continuous improvement and refinement of the developed platforms.

Broader Impacts: This research also extends beyond the confines of academia, with broader impacts reaching into the realms of K-12 education and diversity in STEM fields. By establishing and promoting a K-12 education pathway program, we aim to inspire future generations of students to pursue careers in transportation engineering and related fields. Furthermore, our research seeks to train the next generation of transportation engineers, especially those from underrepresented groups at Morgan State University, a Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU), and Old Dominion University, fostering innovation and inclusivity within the transportation field. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to diversity and accessibility, we strive to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to shape the future of transportation.

Coauthors

Hong Yang, Old Dominion University; Kun Xie, Old Dominion University