A Flipped Course in Modern Energy Systems: Preparation, Delivery, and Post-mortem

Matthew Turner

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Conference: 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Seattle, Washington
Publication Date: June 14, 2015
Start Date: June 14, 2015
End Date: June 17, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-692-50180-1
ISSN: 2153-5965
Conference Session: Utilizing Digital Technologies in Classroom and Distance Learning in ET Programs
Tagged Division: Engineering Technology
Page Count: 12
Page Numbers: 26.41.1 - 26.41.12
DOI: 10.18260/p.23382
Permanent URL: https://strategy.asee.org/23382
Download Count: 511

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Paper Authors

biography

Matthew Turner Purdue University (Statewide Technology)

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Dr. Matthew Turner is an Assistant Professor of ECET at Purdue University New Albany where he teaches courses in power systems and controls. Prior to joining the faculty at Purdue, Professor Turner worked as a researcher at the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research in the area of power and energy systems, with a focus on smart grid implementation and computer modeling. Dr. Turner's current research concentrates on demand response technologies and the application of novel teaching and learning methods to power engineering education.

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Abstract

A flipped course in modern energy systems: preparation, delivery, and post- mortemIn the flipped classroom model, students are assigned to read material or view videos on classtopics before coming to class. The traditional lecture period can then be used to engage studentsvia a variety of methods including active learning techniques such as peer instruction, labs, andproblem sets. Cited advantages of this pedagogical method include, amongst others: time tospend with student on authentic research, time to work with scientific equipment in classrooms,lecture content can be viewed repeatedly, the method promotes thinking both inside and outsideof the classroom, and students are more actively involved in the learning process. All of theseadvantages share a common philosophy; online instruction can be used at home to free class timefor learning.This paper presents the implementation, delivery, and analysis of a flipped course in electricalpower engineering technology at the undergraduate level. The methods used are characterized interms of existing evidence based research for practical and effective instruction, and instructorand student feedback is included for comparison. First, a method of converting the traditionallecture based instructional content into web-based videos using a low-cost do-it-yourself smartboard and open source video editing software is presented, as well as the organization of videocontent into online playlists for ease of viewing. Second, methods of monitoring studentcompletion of out-of-class assignments are evaluated, and the use of low-stakes online quizzes ispresented as such a tool. The restructuring of class time is then discussed, including the use ofdeep learning activities, problem based learning, peer instruction, laboratory based learning, andtraditional problem sets, with examples of each presented and analyzed for both efficacy andutility as metrics for evaluation of student performance. The role of homework sets is examinedin context of both effectiveness and consideration for student life-school balance, and theargument is made for the preservation of traditional homework assignments within the flippedclassroom. The paper is concluded with a summary of reports on student’s perceptions of theflipped methodology and a comparison between student achievement in the course as deliveredvia traditional direct instruction and via flipped methods. Throughout the paper, both thebenefits and the pitfalls of the flipped classroom method are highlighted, and the importance ofproper instructional design is emphasized.

Citation
Format

Turner, M. (2015, June), A Flipped Course in Modern Energy Systems: Preparation, Delivery, and Post-mortem Paper presented at 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/p.23382

TY  - CPAPER
AB  -     A flipped course in modern energy systems: preparation, delivery, and post-                                    mortemIn the flipped classroom model, students are assigned to read material or view videos on classtopics before coming to class. The traditional lecture period can then be used to engage studentsvia a variety of methods including active learning techniques such as peer instruction, labs, andproblem sets. Cited advantages of this pedagogical method include, amongst others: time tospend with student on authentic research, time to work with scientific equipment in classrooms,lecture content can be viewed repeatedly, the method promotes thinking both inside and outsideof the classroom, and students are more actively involved in the learning process. All of theseadvantages share a common philosophy; online instruction can be used at home to free class timefor learning.This paper presents the implementation, delivery, and analysis of a flipped course in electricalpower engineering technology at the undergraduate level. The methods used are characterized interms of existing evidence based research for practical and effective instruction, and instructorand student feedback is included for comparison. First, a method of converting the traditionallecture based instructional content into web-based videos using a low-cost do-it-yourself smartboard and open source video editing software is presented, as well as the organization of videocontent into online playlists for ease of viewing. Second, methods of monitoring studentcompletion of out-of-class assignments are evaluated, and the use of low-stakes online quizzes ispresented as such a tool. The restructuring of class time is then discussed, including the use ofdeep learning activities, problem based learning, peer instruction, laboratory based learning, andtraditional problem sets, with examples of each presented and analyzed for both efficacy andutility as metrics for evaluation of student performance. The role of homework sets is examinedin context of both effectiveness and consideration for student life-school balance, and theargument is made for the preservation of traditional homework assignments within the flippedclassroom. The paper is concluded with a summary of reports on student’s perceptions of theflipped methodology and a comparison between student achievement in the course as deliveredvia traditional direct instruction and via flipped methods. Throughout the paper, both thebenefits and the pitfalls of the flipped classroom method are highlighted, and the importance ofproper instructional design is emphasized.
AU  - Matthew Turner
CY  - Seattle, Washington
DA  - 2015/06/14
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - A Flipped Course in Modern Energy Systems: Preparation, Delivery, and Post-mortem
UR  - https://strategy.asee.org/23382
DO  - 10.18260/p.23382
ER  -