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This longitudinal study examines the impact of the Diversity Harnessing structure in ECE 101 (Exploring Digital Information Technology) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Interviews with students reveal significant increases in confidence, improved critical thinking skills, and enjoyable learning experiences. The analysis highlights how students apply concepts beyond the classroom and engage in innovative projects, such as electronic devices for personal use. By comparing responses from different course iterations, the study aims to develop a model for effective knowledge utilization in science and engineering education.
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Longitudinal Study of Diversity Harnessing in ECE 101 Siddharth Banothu, RenataRevelo Alonso and Michael C. Loui University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Question Selected Interview Results Diversity Harnessing • Increase in confidence • Application of concepts learned in class • Students enjoyed the challenge offered by the class What are the long term learning outcomes of taking ECE 101 (Exploring Digital Information Technology)? • “Also being confident that if I want to make something electronic then with research it can be done” Background • ECE 101 satisfies general education requirements • Mostly freshmen and sophomores; about half in majors outside the sciences • The course was taught initially without Diversity Harnessing structure and is currently taught through Diversity Harnessing structure • ECE 101 is being analyzed to develop a model of how students use knowledge from general education courses in science and engineering • “I used the whole idea of ECE 101 to construct a device that allows me to take my own notes” • “I actually made a little sunrise simulator... color of LEDs simulate a sunrise for 15 minutes when you wake up” Diversity Harnessing (Community, Cooperation, Accountability) • “Initially I didn’t expect it to be something I would enjoy. But I really enjoyed the class. Even working on the weekly homework… doing extra. I ended up branching out on my own” Major Themes Methodology • Application of class concepts beyond the classroom • Improvement in critical thinking skills • Enjoyment of lab activities and final project • Increased Confidence • Challenge • Met expectation • Interviewed ECE 101 students for 30 to 45 minutes • Analyzed interviews independently and negotiated analyses • Will interview students during successive semesters • Will compare the responses of the two populations: students who took the previous version of ECE 101, and students who took the new version of ECE 101 Conclusion Students in ECE 101 have indicated increase in confidence , improvement in critical thinking skills, application of learning beyond classroom experience and have enjoyed the Diversity Harnessing class structure learning experience