Development of a flying eye: A project-based learning experience

Abstract

The paper describes the design for manufacturability of a prototype product as part of a manufacturing engineering capstone course. The product chosen was a vertically launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-the "Flying Eye." The Flying Eye is an autonomous parafoil surveillance platform quipped with sensors, controllers, mechanical components, and software. Once the autonomous UAV is deployed, it is designed to follow a predetermined flight path down to the ground. The design effort of the prototype device took place over a three-year period as a collaborative effort between the Aerospace Engineering and Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering departments at California Polytechnic State University. This project proved to be an excellent tool for the "project-based learning environment," which is the focus of Cal Poly's hands-on engineering programs. Details of the Flying Eye project and lessons learned during the course of this educational experience are provided.

Evaluación de la estrategia pedagógica "aprendizaje basado en proyectos": percepción de los estudiantes

“…El sistema educativo actual generalmente se dirige hacia los logros individuales, pero la regla en la industria moderna es trabajar como equipo, donde un logro individual frecuentemente se cuenta como productivo para las metas del grupo. (ALPTEKIN et al, 2005;BOURGEON, 2007) En la segunda pregunta, el 57% de los encuestados considero que fue difícil encontrar una idea de proyecto para desarrollar en el curso. Este resultado refleja la falta de autonomía de muchos estudiantes para desarrollar un proyecto de acuerdo a sus inclinaciones académicas o profesionales, además, es importante resaltar que los estudiantes deben escoger una temática al inicio del curso sin tener claro los recursos con los que se dispone y los conceptos teóricos que se van a tocar en el curso.…”

Continuous Project-Based Learning in Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Engineering Subjects for Different Degrees

“…It was applied on different matters, which were part of different courses and levels (i.e., Bachelor's and Master's). Therefore, the teaching project got a continuous project-based learning (CPBL) in the students' training [14]. Besides, the CPBL application at different training times of the student enables one to work and evaluate different transversal competences (e.g., time planning, permanent self-learning, and oral communication as well as design and project (DP)).…”

Assessment of the "project-based learning" strategy

“…La estrategia pedagógica se complementa si se traen proyectos industriales a las aulas para ofrecer una experiencia tan auténtica como sea posible. La tendencia también se dirige a realizar estos proyectos en forma interdisciplinaria, con la colaboración de otras dependencias o departamentos de ingeniería (Alptekin et al, 2005).…”