BACKGROUND : Project Based Learning (PBL) allows students to learn by doing hands on work and thus also again practical skills. Therefore going to software simulation may seem like a backwards step. However, the opportunity presented itself to create a unit on Artificial intelligence (AI). This lends itself it a software approach. An added benefit was the opportunity to create a PBL AI unit for both Engineering and IT students.
PURPOSE : Can Project Based Learning be improved with dedicated, specifically written, software design?
DESIGN/METHOD : After introducing a dedicated software package the student marks and student feedback for the AI unit for a few years before the package introduction until the most recent year was analysed. In the student surveys, 2 key questions where examined: unit material quality and feedback to students. Student comments were also studied.
RESULTS : Student surveys gave a consistently high mark for unit’s material and student marks seems consistent as well but favourable comments increased. The most significant result was that the students’ thoughts about the project feedback had increased significantly, probably due to the inbuilt feedback system in the dedicated software package.
CONCLUSIONS : With an appropriate subject matter a dedicated software package can help students in PBL. Student enjoyment increased which, in turn, increased their motivation.
History
Pagination
422-430
Location
Melbourne, Vic.
Open access
Yes
Start date
2012-12-03
End date
2012-12-05
ISBN-13
9780987177230
Language
eng
Publication classification
E1 Full written paper - refereed
Copyright notice
2012, The Authors
Editor/Contributor(s)
Mann L, Daniel S
Title of proceedings
AAEE 2012 : The profession of engineering education, advancing teaching, research and careers : Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education
Event
Australasian Association for Engineering Education. Conference (23rd : 2012 : Melbourne, Australia)