Improving the e-activity Design in Problem-based Learning Module in Mechanical Engineering

SANDEEP CHOWDHRY
2016 Journal on Today s Ideas-Tomorrow s Technologies  
The transition from the teacher-centric learning environment to the problem-based learning (PBL) environment may not be smooth due to students' expectations of getting direct support from the teacher. However, a teacher also tries to teach students the skills to be an independent learner. The aim of this study is to improve the students learning experience in the PBL environment by improving the e-tivity (online activity) design in a blended online teaching module in Mechanical Engineering
more » ... A mixed research method approach helped to analyse the students' learning experience in the module. The result shows that the present design of the e-tivities does not provide students with opportunities to study effectively in the PBL environment online, and proposed an improved design of the e-tivities. It implies the need to create e-tivities by taking into consideration the students' learning styles to encourage active participation, to provide rich student-tutor interactions for prompt feedback on the students' performance and hold workshops to improve the facilitation skills of the academic staff in the PBL environment. Further study suggests evaluating the effectiveness of the designed e-tivities on the students' academic performance, and the development of the skills needed to study effectively in a PBL environment. The summative assessment coursework carries a weight of 50% of the overall module marks and checks the students' knowledge of the design process. Similarly, CAD coursework, evaluates the students' CAD skills, carrying the weight of 50% of the overall module marks. An online multiple choice quiz assesses the students' learning engineering design and CAD. The design component teaching comprises of face-to-face sessions to cover the design task information and two hours of tutorial each week to do engineering design calculations. The CAD part has two hours for a practical class, where students learn 2D drafting, 3D modelling, assembly and production of engineering drawings. Besides, every week students also have to complete an online activity on the engineering design task.
doi:10.15415/jotitt.2016.41005 fatcat:gf5zmg6r7zgdria54pabz6fgji