Developing an IPAD based blended learning Module in Auto-Electronics
12 April 2023
1
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
2
The general planIntegrating iPads, eBooks and hands on practical work with the LearnZone site at WelTec:
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
Using iCircuit
Year 2 Auto electrical students : Example of a voltage regulator
7
eBooks
Advantages
- Semi interactive
- Reduce student resource material size and weight
- Can link to a Learning Management System (LMS)
Purpose of eBooks
8
Circuit simulation links
9
• 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
10
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
11
12 April 2023
12
Gail Kirkland and James Mackay
James Mackay
Wellington Institute of Technology
Wellington Institute of Technology