Achieving Compelling Student Comprehension Of Complex Information Structures For Both On Site And On Line Courses

Teaching engineering and technology subjects involves conveying understanding of abstract information structures and processes such as complex telecommunications protocols, complex mathematical concepts, and data structures. These are multidimensional and can be difficult to grasp quickly. Supported by a Hewlett-Packard (HP) Technology for Teaching grant, the School of Engineering and Technology at National University has embarked on a project to enable students to grasp these complex concepts more quickly and easily, using continuous dialog among students and instructors as the structures are first introduced and then examined from multiple perspectives through real-time interaction among students, small groups, and instructors. HP Wireless Tablet PCs are used to discuss and experiment with diagrams and processes in realtime. This allows combining lectures and problem-solving sessions into a single class session. Our hypothesis is that: 1) an in-depth learning of theory is accomplished, and 2) student engagement is enhanced. Presentation of theory by the instructor is integrated with application while the theory is still in the student’s short-term memory. Students no longer have to wait for a separate session such as a recitation session to apply the concepts. This approach often takes less time. In addition to accelerating the learning process, expert instructors find this approach more rewarding as students grasp new concepts more quickly. Analysis of data captured from both students and instructors are presented to support our hypotheses, and our results are compared with similar research carried out by other universities. In addition, the level of interaction enabled by the use of HP Tablets in on-line classes is discussed. The best teaching tools available in existing on-line teaching platforms are compared with the additional tools available in on-site courses when every student has a wireless Tablet PC and specific recommendations are made to on-line teaching. These tools will enable a higher level of interaction between students and instructors to enhance learning of engineering and technology subjects, even in those cases where the on-line students may be using a computer other than a tablet PC.