Author(s):
Multiple Representations of Learning in Dynamics and Control: Exploring the Synergy of Low-Cost Portable Lab Equipment, Virtual Labs, and AI within Student Learning ActivitiesAward Number: 2336998Need. Many engineering students struggle to acquire a deep understanding of complex engineering concepts due to the highly mathematical nature of topics such as dynamics and control. Lack of prior knowledge, limitations of large lectures, limited budgets preventing high-quality hands-on experiences, and lack of advanced technological tools that could be utilized to enhance learning contribute to this issue. These factors adversely affect retention and graduation rates, especially from historically underserved groups. According to the 2020 NSF STEM Education for the Future-Visioning Report, learning experiences should be enriched for learners at any level using appropriate and modern technologies and must be implemented in all learning spaces, including face-to-face, online, and hybrid modalities while making sure these modalities are pedagogically effective. Physical labs offer hands-on practice and allow students to work on real equipment, while virtual labs provide a simulated environment with increased accessibility, and the ability to repeat experiments or simulations as needed. However, educational lab equipment is typically expensive and bulky which limits access, and few virtual labs have been developed for engineering courses. In both of these cases, the development of appropriate learning support via research-based learning activity design and AI feedback has been minimal. In engineering, an opportunity exists when learning activities blend hands-on equipment and virtual simulations, and AI support, across a variety of course modalities and even for large class sizes. This approach generates multiple representations of learning and has the potential to reinforce students’ understanding of engineering principles. Research Questions. Specifically, this project aims to expand the research and broaden the impact of our previously funded IUSE Level 1 proposal by developing new, expanded dynamics and control learning packages with four open-source components: (1) low-cost, portable 3D Printed Lab Equipment (3D-PLE) devices; (2) virtual simulations; (3) virtual assistant based AI support tools; and (4) robustly designed learning activities. We will explore the following research questions: (1) To what degree can learning packages enhance student learning capabilities around dynamics and controls within the context of carefully designed AI-assisted learning experiences using hands-on equipment and virtual simulations? (2) Why do potential users choose to use one or more parts of the dynamics and control learning package? (3) Which element or combinations of elements in the dynamics and controls learning package are most beneficial for its users? Outcomes. This continuing project produced open-source and 3D printed 7 vibrations and 1 control lab equipment along with their learning activities. This open-source initiative produced 7 conference and 3 journal publications. Additionally, undergraduate students in the PI’s research group developed open-source virtual labs for various engineering courses. The project produced 4 conference and 1 journal publication. Broader Impacts. The outcomes of the project (CAD models, 3D printing settings, evidence-based design of learning activities) are publicly shared on GitHub to anyone, significantly expanding faculty and student exposure on a national and even international level.This project endeavors to increase academic achievement for underrepresented populations. The undergraduate students have the strongest outcomes of all, as they bring strong experimental design skills into the workplace.
Coauthors
Tris Utshig, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA; Coskun Tekes, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA
