Work-in-Progress: The Impact of MatLab Marina - A Virtual Learning Environment on Student Learning in a Computing for Engineers Course

Abstract

Programming is a skill that is a crucial component in most engineering analysis and design functions. Hence, all engineering curriculums include programming courses and many use MATLAB, a technical computing language. Teaching and training students to become competent and efficient programmers however, continues to be a challenge. Engineering faculty have implemented several pedagogical approaches to address this challenge, including the use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). This work presents an ongoing, preliminary investigative study of the incorporation of the VLE-MatLab Marina as a supplement in Computing for Engineers courses and its impact on student learning at two institutions:

A Project Based Approach To Introduction To Engineering

“…The objective of this newly reformatted course is to motivate students to pursue engineering programs, with a focus on learning and practicing scientific methods, critical thinking, problemsolving, design creativity, ethics, team work and soft skills. Similar approaches have been practiced by other engineering schools as well [2,3].…”

“…Traditionally, such introductory courses were considered as personal courses where faculty designed teaching materials from scratch, possibly to fulfill their own teaching or research objectives [1]. But current literature suggests that faculty are moving away from the earlier models in an attempt to increase retention rate by redefining first year engineering education [1,2,3]. Recently, there has been an emphasis on engineering design and hands-on, team work based projects.…”

A Strategic Curriculum Design for an Introductory Engineering Course to Encourage Self-Empowerment of Minority Students

“…Retention rates, especially for URM students, are also influenced by other factors such as self-confidence, lack of academic goals, and inability to integrate academically into college life [2]. Moreover, the academic success rates of these students are significantly impacted by i) students' passion and motivation, ii) the effectiveness of introductory courses, and iii) the efficacy of advising, guidance, mentoring, and student learning support systems [3].…”

Introduction to MATLAB Programming in Fundamentals of Engineering Course

“…Students therefore often do not reinforce their programming skills and lose a potentially valuable tool. Furthermore, incoming first-year students lack math and engineering problem solving skills [1]. This presents a challenge in teaching programming.…”