An Active Learning Computer-Based Teaching Tool for Enhancing Students’ Learning and Visualization Skills in Electromagnetics

Mohammed Bait-Suwailam, Joseph Jervase, Hassan Al-Lawati, Zia Nadir

Abstract


Electromagnetic theoretical concepts, which are represented mathematically, are usually challenging to grasp by students. In this study, we explore an interactive technology-based teaching tool to develop further students’ mastery of electromagnetic concepts through learning development and visualization of electromagnetic problems. This visualization of the problems will help students analyse, evaluate, and draw conclusions of the impact of electromagnetic-related problems in real-life. The simulation tool in this study is based on a MATLAB toolbox package, in which partial-differential equations (PDE) solver is the core engine. In this paper, we will also provide a step-by-step guide on the use of such an interactive computer-aided tool so that it can be a great self-guide tool for beginners in the field of physics and a first-level introductory course in electromagnetism. This study will focus mainly on one classical electrostatic problem that is a challenge to students to visualize, analyze and evaluate. Based on students feedback by the end of the course, 80% of students' population are more comfortablewith the introduced interactive learning tool. 

Full Text:

PDF

References


J. Guisasola, J., Almud ́ı, and J.L. Zubimendi, “Difficulties in learning the Introductory magnetic field theory in the first years of university,” Science Education, vol. 88, no. 3, pp. 443–464, 2004.

J. Guisasola , J. M. Almudi, and K. Zuza, “University students’ understanding of electromagnetic induction,” International Journal of Science Education, vol. 35, no.16, pp. 2692-2717, 2013.

K.W. Cheng, X.D. Xue, K.F. Kwok, and T.K. Cheung, “Improvement of classroom teaching of electromagnetics by means of an electronic book,” IEEE Trans. on Magnetics, vol. 39, no. 3, May 2003.

A. Misseyanni, M.D. Lytras, P. Papadopoulou, and C. Marouli (Ed.), Active Learning Strategies in Higher Education, Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, 2018.

W.K. Adams, S. Reid, R.LeMaster, S.B. McKagan, K.K. Perkins, M. Dubson, and C.E. Wieman, “A Study of educational simulations Part I - engagement and learning,” Journal of Interactive Learning Research, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 397-419, 2008.

M. F. Iskander, “Computer-based electromagnetic education,” IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 41, no. 6, pp. 920-931, June-July 1993, doi: 10.1109/22.238505.

A. Z. Elsherbeni and P. H. Ginn, “Arrays: A software package for analysis of antenna arrays”, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 109-117, 1992.

M. F. Iskander, T. Reed and J. Breen, “Interactive video lessons for electromagnetic education”, Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ., vol. 1, no. 2, 1993.

M. F. Iskander, “Multimedia and technology based electromagnetic education,” 2014 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society International Symposium (APSURSI), Memphis, TN, USA, 6-11 July 2014, pp. 531- 532.

F. Thollon, and L. Nicolas, “A computer aided education tool for elec- tromagnetic scattering phenomena,” IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 36, no. 4, pp.880-883, July 2000.

S. Patil, S. Ramakrishna, H. M. Kelagadi, Priyatamkumar and R. B. Shettar, “Technology enabled active learning for electromagnetic waves and theory,” In the 2018 IEEE Tenth International Confer- ence on Technology for Education (T4E), 2018, pp. 225-226, doi: 10.1109/T4E.2018.00062.

H. Roussel, and M. Helier, “Difficulties in teaching electromagnetism: an eight year experience at Pierre and Marie Curie University,” Advanced Electromagnetics, vol. 1, no. 1, pp.65-69, 2012.

L. Sevgi and C ̧. Uluıs ̧ık , “A Labview-based virtual instrument for engineering education: a numerical fourier transform tool,” Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 129-152, 2006.

L. Sevgi, “A New Electromagnetic Engineering Program and Teaching via Virtual Tools,” Progress In Electromagnetics Research B, Vol. 6, 205-224, 2008.

C.Dede,M.C.Salzman,andL.R.Bowen,“Sciencespace:virtualrealities for learning complex and abstract scientific concepts,” In Proceedings of the IEEE 1996 Virtual Reality Annual International Symposium, pages 246–252, 1996.

M.Iba ́n ̃ez,A.Serio,D.Villara ́n,C.Kloos,“Experimentingwithelectro- magnetism using augmented reality: Impact on flow student experience and educational effectiveness,” Computers and Education, vol. 71, Pages 1-13, 2014.

Harun, N. Tuli, and A. Mantri,“Experience Fleming’s rule in Electro- magnetism Using Augmented Reality: Analyzing Impact on Students Learning,” Procedia Computer Science, Volume 172, Pages 660-668, 2020, ISSN 1877-0509.

S.W. Greenwald, W. Corning, M. Funk, and P. Maes, “Comparing learning in virtual reality with learning on a 2d screen using electrostatics activities,” Journal of Universal Computer Science, vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 220– 245, 2018.

S.W. Greenwald, W. Corning, G. McDowell, P. Gavin Maes, and J. Belcher, “ElectroVR: an electrostatic playground for collaborative, simulation-based exploratory learning in immersive virtual reality,” International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS), pp. 997-1000, Jun. 2019.

A. Cheville, and B. Derr, “Using videos to elicit self explanations of emergent electromagnetic concepts,” In the 2016 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition Proceedings, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 2016, doi:10.18260/p.27172.

Z. Merchant, E. T. Goetz, L. Cifuentes, W. Keeney-Kennicutt, and T. Davis, “Effectiveness of virtual reality-based instruction on students’ learning outcomes in K-12 and higher education: A meta-analysis”, Computers and Education, vol. 70, pp. 29–40, 2014.

J. L. Drewniak, T. H. Hubing, T. P. Van Doren and Fei Sha, “Integrating electromagnetic compatibility laboratory exercises into undergraduate electromagnetics,” Proceedings of International Symposium on Electro- magnetic Compatibility, 1995, pp. 35-40.

D. Lowe, S. Murray, E. Lindsay, and D. Liu, “Evolving remote lab- oratory architectures to leverage emerging internet technologies,”IEEE Transactions on learning technologies, vol. 2, no. 4, pp.289-294, 2009.

J. Ma and J.V. Nickerson, “Hands-On, Simulated, and Remote Labo- ratories: A Comparative Literature Review,” ACM Computing Surveys, vol. 38, no. 3, 2006.

N. Sousa, G.R. Alves, and M.G. Gericota, M.G., “An integrated reusable remote laboratory to complement electronics teaching,” IEEE Transac- tions on learning technologies, vol. 3, no.3, pp.265-271, 2010.

J.Asumadu, R. Tanner, J. Fitzmaurice, M. Kelly, H. Ogunleye, J. Belter, and S.C. Koh, “A Web-Based Electrical and Electronics Remote Wiring and Measurement Laboratory (RwmLAB) Instrument”, IEEE Trans. Instrumentation and Measurement, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 38-44, 2005.

D. Grenier, S. Ivanov, F. Labrique, S. Labrique, M-J. Resende, and B. Robyns, “A co-operative development of e-learning tools for electrical engineering”, In Proceedings of the 16th EAEEIE conference, Lappeen- ranta, 2005.

M. Sadiku, Elements of Electromagnetics, New York: Oxford University Press, 5th edition, 2010.

R. Bangert-Drowns, C. Kulik, J.A. Kulik, and M. Morgan, “The instruc- tional effect of feedback in test-like events”, Review of Educational Research, vol. 61, pp. 213–238, 1991.

R. Azevedo, and R. Bernard, “A meta-analysis of the effects of feed- back in computer-based instruction”, Journal of Educational Computing Research, vol. 13,pp. 111–127, 1995.

M. Trevisan, D.Davis, D. Calkins, and K.L. Gentili, “Developing and assessing statewide competencies for engineering design,” Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 87, no. 2, pp. 185-193, 1998.

S. Naqvi, T. Akram, and S. Haider, “Learning outcomes and assessment methodology: case study of an undergraduate engineering project”, The International Journal of Electrical Engineering and Education, vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 140-162, 2019.

J.M. Williams, “The engineering portfolio: communication, reflection and student learning outcomes assessment”, International Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 199-207, 2002.

B.S. Bloom, et al., Taxonomy of educational objectives: the classification of educational goals: handbook I: cognitive domain, No. 373.19 C734t. New York, US: D. Mckay, 1956.

L.W. Anderson, (Ed.), D.R. Krathwohl, (Ed.), P. Airasian, K. Cruik- shank, R. Mayer, P. Pintrich, J. Raths, and M.C. Wittrock, M.C. (2001), A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives (Complete edition), New York: Longman, 2001.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


International Journal of Electronics and Telecommunications
is a periodical of Electronics and Telecommunications Committee
of Polish Academy of Sciences

eISSN: 2300-1933