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ON-LINE LEARNING TOOL FOR UNDERGRADUATE ELECTRIC MACHINES AND POWER SYSTEMS COURSE

Abstract

This paper explores both the modules of the developed Electric Machines and Power Systems (EMPS) software and the assessment results of an investigation of learners’ attitude toward this media based teaching tool. The investigation is based on a survey completed by fifteen students enrolled in Electric Machines and Power Systems course at Ohio Northern University. The students are majoring in Electrical Engineering. The teaching tool is designed to optimize students’ performance through an instant observation of and among the parameters of transformers, dc machines, ac machines and transmission line models. The information and data collected from survey and questionnaires were analyzed and used for the evaluation of attitudes toward the use of this media based teaching tool. Students have responded favorably to and expressed their satisfaction with the developed software tool.

Introduction

In recent years and due to the evolving technology and its attendant introduction of new material into the curriculum, most colleges face a demand to optimize their curriculum and increase the content of courses. This challenges educators to determine more efficient ways of designing their courses and presenting the material in order to ensure that students are provided with information to help them pass along the essential knowledge of their field and acquire computer skills to be adequately prepared to function as high quality professionals of the future.

Meeting the instructional needs of students to learn the material is the keystone of every effective program. The tools of educational technology and software hold tremendous potential for improving both teaching and learning processes. Cohen et al1 performed analysis of 74 studies that compared visual-based instruction with traditional instruction. They found that students learned more from visual-based instruction than from traditional teaching. It is evident from the paper by Powell et al2 that computer based instruction may be the key to improving the grade point average of students. Bartsch and Cobern3 found that PowerPoint presentation can be beneficial to students’ learning. Papers4-8 reported that those who integrate technology in the learning process believe it will improve learning and better prepare students to effectively participate in the 21st century workplace. Today, educators are concerned with how to use technology to enhance and enrich their learning environments rather than asking whether to use it.

Multimedia which is defined in paper9 as “the integration of video, audio, graphics and data within a single computer workstation” and according to Willis10 multimedia enables the instructor to custom design and individualize instruction and learner to “plan, execute, and manage” his or her learning experience at the rate, place, and time of the learner’s choice.

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Al-Olimat, K. (2008, June), On Line Learning Tool For Undergraduate Electric Machines And Power Systems Course Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--3511