Development Of A Modularized Co Constructivist Learning Environment For Electrotechnology

This paper outlines our POWERGUIDE project to develop a new computer based learning environment to help University and College students develop a deeper understanding of industrial Electrotechnology. This subject includes electromagnetic and electromechanical devices and systems as well as basic electrical power engineering principles. The computer-based software provides the students with an interactive constructivist learning environment. The students collaboratively construct their own understandings by exploring the effects of systematically changing parameters and configurations over a wide range of situations. This is possible because the software is designed to remove the drudgery of complex computations and to display the results in a clear and attractive graphical form. The software allows the instructor to assign thoughtprovoking activities, including design projects. Projects offer the opportunity for guided learning conversations among the project participants. The approach is based on an electronic workbook illustrating the basic concepts by means of practical examples taken from typical industrial plants. The electronic book also provides the students with the theoretical aspects of each device under study using hyperlinks. The software package selected as the backbone is the mathematical spreadsheet MathCad, because of its capabilities of handling technical mathematical problems as well as its advanced features such as hyper link and graphical abilities. The underlying electrical principles are exhibited by means of simulations of typical devices, such as three-phase loads, transformers, motors, and electronic loads. Formative evaluations are currently being conducted with college and university students and some results will be presented. This work is a contribution to instructional design and development methodology, as well as to electrical engineering education.