{"title":"Measuring the Impact of Web-Based Educational Tools on Enhancing Student Learning Indicators in Programming Skills, Computational Thinking, and Problem-Solving","authors":"Mohammed Yahya Alghamdi","doi":"10.1002/cae.70011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70011","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>E-learning technologies now dominate education transformation, including programming education, which requires practical activities and immediate feedback. However, several students find difficulties in learning through traditional instructional methods because these methods fail to create full student engagement and advanced, concept-specific assistance. This study explores how web-based educational tools, particularly e-learning platforms, serve to develop computational thinking and problem-solving abilities of IT diploma students at Al-Baha University. Students participated in an experimental research design in which they were divided into two groups. One group used e-learning tools while the other followed traditional classroom teaching. Student performance data were measured by pre-tests and post-tests combined with surveys that assessed students' problem-solving abilities. Computational thinking abilities along with problem-solving skills and academic performance levels improved more in the experimental group than in the control group because their pass rates increased notably. The experimental group students delivered superior results for Learning Gain and Approving Gain because their programming concepts comprehension increased in addition to improved academic achievements. Students in the experimental group felt more satisfied with better involvement due to their contact with interactive e-learning methods. Interactive web-based education enables students to improve their academics along with their motivation because these educational methods deliver flexible effective learning experiences. Through its findings the study advances e-learning benefits knowledge in higher education and provides concrete suggestions to integrate interactive technology into IT programming education.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143513491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Haptic Technology Interaction Framework in Engineering Learning: A Taxonomical Conceptualization","authors":"Ivan Mutis, Marina Oberemok","doi":"10.1002/cae.70009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Innovative technology helps students foster creative thinking and problem-solving abilities by augmenting human sensing and enriching input and output information. New technology can incorporate haptic sensing features—a sensing modality for user operations. Learning with haptic sensing features promises new ways to master cognitive and motor skills and higher-order cognitive reasoning tasks (e.g., decision-making and problem-solving). This study conceptualizes haptic technology within the human-technology interaction (HTI) framework. It aims to investigate the components of haptic systems to define their impact on learning and facilitate understanding of haptic technology, including application development to ease entry barriers for educators. The research builds a haptic HTI framework based on a systematic literature review on haptic applications in engineering learning over the last two decades. The review utilizes the SALSA methodology to analyze relevant studies comprehensively. The framework outcome is a haptic HTI taxonomy to build visual representations of the explicit connection between the taxonomy components and practical educational applications (by means of heatmaps). The approach led to a robust conceptualization of HTI into a taxonomy—a structured framework encompassing categories for interaction modalities, immersive technologies, and learning methodologies in engineering education. The model assists in understanding how haptic feedback can be utilized in learning with technology experiences. Applying haptic technology in engineering education includes mastering fundamental science concepts and creating customized haptic prototypes for engineering processes. A growing trend focuses on wearable haptics, such as gloves and vests, which involve kinesthetic movement, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness—all fostering spatial and temporal cognitive abilities (the ability to effectively manage and comprehend significant amounts of <i>spatial</i> (how design components or resources are related to one another in the 3D space) and <i>temporal</i> (the logic in a process, such as the order, sequences, and hierarchies of the resources information). The haptic human-technology interaction (H-HTI) framework guides future research in developing cognitive reasoning through H-HTI, unlocking new frontiers in engineering education.</p>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cae.70009","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143475635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Enhancing the Learning Process in Structural Dynamics Through Jupyter Notebooks: A Project-Based Learning Approach","authors":"Diego Francisco Ledezma-Ramírez","doi":"10.1002/cae.22814","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22814","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Numerical simulation is nowadays an essential tool for different engineering disciplines, and in the case of mechanical vibrations and structural dynamics, it finds several important applications not only in theoretical approaches but also in virtual experiments and data analysis. However, most of the commercial applications are expensive or limited for student use, and as a result, open source and free alternatives have become popular in academia. Jupyter is an open-source project that allows for the creation of interactive notebooks using Python, which is a powerful learning tool for engineering learning. In this paper, a new strategy for the course of structural dynamics is discussed, implementing the use of Jupyter notebooks, considering topics such as signal analysis, and free and forced vibration of systems with one and several degrees of freedom, among others. These notebooks combine background theory, text, images, and interactive code. Apart from being used as a learning tool with provided examples, the students are encouraged to use this tool to develop their reports in an integrative project. The description of the process and case study is presented, and the student learning process is assessed through anonymous surveys, demonstrating a great level of engagement and motivation resulting from the implementation of the strategy.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143466216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Software-Oriented Collaborative Project-Based Learning of Biomedical Signal Processing in Simulated Industry-Like Conditions","authors":"Tomasz Pieciak, Piotr Augustyniak","doi":"10.1002/cae.70005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Most academic approaches to teaching biomedical signal processing (BSP) focus either on acquisition procedures of electrophysiological data, predefined menu-driven signal processing methods using virtual laboratories, or ordinary signal processing procedures applied to biomedical signals without reaching the nature of the data and reflecting the future workplace. This paper introduces a new software-oriented project-based learning approach to BSP for graduate biomedical engineering students. The course simulates industry-like practices under an imposed work environment and acquaints the participants with biomedical signal evaluation and quality assurance (QA) procedures required for software standardization. The students develop fully functional multifaceted software to analyze real-world electrocardiograms that can be run on a desktop computer without external numerical tools. The project is led by a project manager (PM) and assisted by a software architect (SA) and project coordinator (PC). The paper hypothesizes that learning the BSP through a proposed simulated industry-like approach improves understanding of BSP principles, computer programming skills, and social competencies in developing a collaborative project. The results show that the participants significantly enriched BSP-related knowledge after the course, improved computer programming skills (<i>p</i> < 0.0001; nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test), and enhanced soft skills in collaborative work (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and public presentations (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The course participants valued the role of algorithm prototyping stages and QA procedures according to official standardization rules. The PM and SA enabled the smooth software development process, while the PC has proven helpful in resolving intrinsic conflicts.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143455844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rona Nisa Sofia Amriza, Tzu-Chuan Chou, Wiwit Ratnasari
{"title":"Beyond the Classroom: Understanding the Evolution of Educational Data Mining With Key Route Main Path Analysis","authors":"Rona Nisa Sofia Amriza, Tzu-Chuan Chou, Wiwit Ratnasari","doi":"10.1002/cae.70010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Educational data mining (EDM) enhances the educational system by uncovering hidden patterns of academic data. The discipline of EDM has grown rapidly and produced numerous publications, leading to knowledge dissemination among researchers. This research aims to understand the EDM field literature by examining the citation network of significant publications. This research utilizes a quantitative approach based on citation main path analysis (MPA) to analyze 1009 Web of Science (WoS) publications between 1988 and 2023. The study uncovers 22 significant publications that have shaped the knowledge diffusion trajectories of EDM. The research reveals that EDM has undergone three phases of evolution, each of which represents a substantial shift in the research focus: automated adaptation, leveraging human decision, and advanced predictive analytics. Unlike previous EDM reviews, this study applies a novel approach using multiple global MPA, uncovering five key sub-research areas: student performance, early warning, learning behavior, transfer learning, and dropout. Notably, recent trends emphasize a growing focus on student performance. The primary contribution of this paper lies in its comprehensive mapping of EDM's developmental trajectory, offering an understanding of its diverse research trends. By elucidating these patterns and emerging areas, this study not only enriches the existing literature but also identifies unexplored topics that can guide future research directions, distinguishing itself from other EDM reviews by offering a more systematic and data-driven analysis of the field's evolution.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143438816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pedagogical Approach for Quantum Computing in Engineering Education","authors":"Francisco Orts","doi":"10.1002/cae.70004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This paper presents a method for teaching quantum computing for engineering students of the Master's degree in Quantum Computing at the International University of La Rioja. The approach is designed so that students can acquire the basic concepts of quantum computing in a context in which they have no knowledge of quantum mechanics. The focus is therefore on the mathematical, physical and, above all, computational knowledge acquired by the student in engineering. Theoretical and practical concepts of quantum computation are introduced, as well as the most important quantum algorithms. The student is also taught to work with a real quantum device. The method was successfully tested using the IBM Quantum platform, which consists of real quantum devices and simulators where students were able to test the acquired knowledge and implement the learned algorithms. In a context where quantum computing-related degrees and subjects are starting to emerge, the aim of this work is to help not only future generations of engineers to study quantum computing, but also those responsible people for implementing such studies.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143431615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Promise and Pitfalls: A Literature Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence as a Learning Assistant in ICT Education","authors":"Ritesh Chugh, Darren Turnbull, Ahsan Morshed, Fariza Sabrina, Salahuddin Azad, Rashid Md Mamunur, Shahriar Kaisar, Sudha Subramani","doi":"10.1002/cae.70002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>“You are imparting human qualities to it because it looks human—but I assure you: it is not. If it were a box on wheels, I would not be facing this opposition.”</i> Commander Bruce Maddox spoke these words during a Star Trek, The Next Generation episode as Lieutenant Commander Data faced an enquiry into his sentience. Similarly, this literature review explores the role of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education, specifically examining its function as a learning assistant within the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) discipline in higher education. Using AI-powered tools such as Litmaps and Google Scholar, we conducted an iterative search and reviewed 26 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on the use of GenAI tools as learning assistants in ICT education. We adhered to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure methodological rigour, excluding non-ICT populations, secondary sources, and non-peer-reviewed literature. The findings highlight the manifold advantages of integrating GenAI into ICT education, including its ability to diagnose programming code, provide tailored feedback, and serve as a valuable learning aid. However, significant challenges were also identified, particularly the tendency of novice programmers to uncritically accept GenAI-generated output, concerns over academic integrity violations, and issues surrounding the privacy of personal information. We pinpoint that the integration of GenAI influences four key components: Andragogy, Assessment, Integrity, and Privacy. As GenAI becomes more entrenched in educational practices, this research provides a foundation for further exploration and refinement to maximise its transformative potential in higher education.</p>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cae.70002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143423769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Design of a Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Laboratory Course Addressing Complex Engineering Problems and Activities","authors":"Fahim Hafiz, Md Jahidul Hoq Emon, Md Abid Hossain, Md. Saddam Hossain Mukta, Salekul Islam, Swakkhar Shatabda","doi":"10.1002/cae.70006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70006","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This paper proposes a novel curriculum for the microprocessors and microcontrollers laboratory course. The proposed curriculum blends structured laboratory experiments with an open-ended project phase, addressing complex engineering problems and activities. Microprocessors and microcontrollers are ubiquitous in modern technology, driving applications across diverse fields. To prepare future engineers for Industry 4.0, effective educational approaches are crucial. The proposed lab enables students to perform hands-on experiments using advanced microprocessors and microcontrollers while leveraging their acquired knowledge by working in teams to tackle self-defined complex engineering problems that utilize these devices and sensors, often used in the industry. Furthermore, this curriculum fosters multidisciplinary learning and equips students with problem-solving skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios. With recent technological advancements, traditional microprocessors and microcontrollers curricula often fail to capture the complexity of real-world applications. This curriculum addresses this critical gap by incorporating insights from experts in both industry and academia. It trains students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly evolving technological landscape, preparing them for success upon graduation. The curriculum integrates project-based learning, where students define complex engineering problems for themselves. This approach actively engages students, fostering a deeper understanding and enhancing their learning capabilities. Statistical analysis shows that the proposed curriculum significantly improves student learning outcomes, particularly in their ability to formulate and solve complex engineering problems, as well as engage in complex engineering activities.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143423768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using Adaptive Learning Platform Data in a Flipped Classroom for Early Detection and Tutoring of Low-Performing Students","authors":"Autar Kaw, Ali Yalcin, Renee Clark","doi":"10.1002/cae.70007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70007","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This article explores the use of adaptive learning platform (ALP) data to conduct early identification and provide support to students who have a low-performance outcome (C or lower) in a numerical methods engineering course. The data from assigned ALP lessons for two semesters was used to create decision-tree models to identify students who would benefit from advising and tutoring support. In the following two semesters, low-performing students were identified early in the semester and provided with support, and their performance was compared to their peers. The best-performing prediction model achieved an accuracy of 85% in predicting low-performing students in the third week of the course. The support included weekly one-on-one tutoring and advising sessions. Although only 23% of the identified students accepted support, they scored one-third a letter grade better than those who did not. Additionally, students who received support were invited to participate in a focus group at the end of the semester. Positive outcomes reported included improved understanding of course material, higher academic performance, advice on learning strategies, and guidance on non-course-related topics like internships and employment. Although most students valued receiving personalized invitations, a few felt singled out as low-performing. Students acknowledged the significance of individualized support, gave advice on how to word the invitation emails, and made helpful suggestions for improving help sessions, particularly in terms of personalization and recognizing their heavy academic workload.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pablo S. Rivadeneira, Jhon E. Candelo, Fredy Hoyos, Héctor A. Botero
{"title":"Didactic Strategy for Applied Learning of Control of State-Space Systems Through Low-Cost Electronic Modules","authors":"Pablo S. Rivadeneira, Jhon E. Candelo, Fredy Hoyos, Héctor A. Botero","doi":"10.1002/cae.70008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.70008","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There is a growing need to apply advanced control techniques in industrial processes, and the state space provides modern tools for solving these requirements. Engineers and scientists must be prepared to offer solutions for the industry according to the advances, requiring proper knowledge acquired from their careers in Universities. However, courses in state-space control theory in some educational institutions lack the practical experience to implement the controllers designed by students and only use simulations to enhance the understanding of this theory. Therefore, this paper proposes a didactic strategy for applied control learning within the framework of the state-variable control course through individual, portable, and low-cost modules. The method is based on the building of two types of electronic modules that allow students to perform a self-practical laboratory. In addition, classroom action research is applied, considering a purposive sampling of students. The research also considers theoretical and practical interventions to explain to students the use of each electronic module and the requirements for performing the tests. An evaluation tool is designed to assess the knowledge of the students before and after the intervention. The results show how students improve their performance in control theory and achieve more advanced concepts of control implementation. The first test showed that of all students enrolled in the course, only 5% obtained good grades. After the first practical intervention, up to 49% of the students obtained good grades. The final practical intervention allowed more than 80% of the students to achieve high grades.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50643,"journal":{"name":"Computer Applications in Engineering Education","volume":"33 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143389037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}