Development of online learning modules as an innovative approach to teaching a Vantage College introductory engineering design course with embedded language and technical communication components

TitleDevelopment of online learning modules as an innovative approach to teaching a Vantage College introductory engineering design course with embedded language and technical communication components
Faculty/College/UnitVantage College
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2019
Project Summary

Introducing engineering design early, though crucial for training engineers, is often challenging for students as it requires them to radically shift their thought process from a more traditional fixed problem- solving approach, to a complex multidisciplinary decision-making paradigm in which various solutions may be possible. Students are often insecure about their design abilities, and it takes significant time for them to embrace this approach to learning. The traditional lecture/tutorial format is not the best way to foster this process.

This project seeks to make VANT150, the 1st year engineering design course in Vantage College, a more effective student-centered learning experience by replacing six traditional lectures with online modules, freeing classroom time for active learning design-related tasks and discussions. These modules will include content-delivery elements and interactive components used to prepare students for class time. Collaboration with Vantage language instructors will ensure the modules enrich both the engineering and the language courses.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2019/2020
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorVladan Zoran Prodanovic
Year 1: Funded Amount41,204
Year 1: Team Members

Vladan Zoran Prodanovic, Senior Instructor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Vantage College
Gabriel Potvin, Instructor 1, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science / Chair, Vantage College Engineering Stream
Juan Abelló, Instructor 1, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Saloome Motavas, Lecturer, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Sandra Zappa-Hollman, Assistant Professor, Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education / Director, Academic English Program, Vantage College
Alys Avalos-Rivera, Lecturer, Vantage College