Developing an IPAD based blended learning Module in Auto-Electronics

12 April 2023

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James Mackay and Shane TaplinWellington Institute of Technology

Changing Teaching and Learning Practice in Auto electronicso Blended Learningo Using iCircuito Converting to ebookso Using the Learnzone site at WelTeco Evaluating the model

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The general planIntegrating iPads, eBooks and hands on practical work with the LearnZone site at WelTec:

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A bit about Blended Learning

Collaborative

Activity Based

Authentic and challenging tasks

Plenty of feedback, (reflective self and peer assessment as well as formative tutor feedback)

Focus on developing and / or changing mental models

Principles of an effective learning environment

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A bit about Blended Learning

Technology is the delivery system for effective learning

Used to increase access – new technology is not an end in itself. The focus should not be the technology, the technology is the hook.

Simulations by themselves are as bad as only hands on practical – However, a combination of simulations and hands on practical work yield the best results

Need to use the principles of an effective learning environment

Principles of using technology in the classroom

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Using iCircuit

Focused on eradicating Common Misconceptions about DC circuits

Allows students to explore basic concepts and work out relationships between quantities

The simulation then uses iCircuit to build and check circuits on the iPad befor building and check real circuits

Year 1 Auto electrical students – Understanding Networks of resistors

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Using iCircuit

Year 2 Auto electrical students : Example of a voltage regulator

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eBooks

Advantages

- Semi interactive

- Reduce student resource material size and weight

- Can link to a Learning Management System (LMS)

Purpose of eBooks

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Circuit simulation links

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• http://www.indiabix.com/electronics-circuits/

• http://www.falstad.com/circuit/

• http://www.indiabix.com/electronics-circuits/differential-amplifier-with-op-amps/

iCircuit and eBooks on LearnZone

Apple – pc incompatibility (a bit clumsy at the moment)

Does not support Adobe Flash®

Does not support avi media

Can run “Smokescreen” through a server to enable Flash

Difficulties and Solutions

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Student Feedback iPad freezes and iCircuit has to be restarted

(Some symbols and sometimes the whole app freeze)

Too slow, kept closing (freezing) and scope not accurate

Good way to start off learning circuits

Understood current and voltage relations better

Better with year 1 than with year 2

Learned how to construct circuits from a diagram, understod how the circuit worked better and made it easier to construct circuits on a breadboard

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12 April 2023

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Gail Kirkland and James Mackay

James Mackay

Wellington Institute of Technology

 

Wellington Institute of Technology